RESUMO
Serotonin influences many aspects of animal behavior. But how serotonin acts on its diverse receptors across the brain to modulate global activity and behavior is unknown. Here, we examine how serotonin release in C. elegans alters brain-wide activity to induce foraging behaviors, like slow locomotion and increased feeding. Comprehensive genetic analyses identify three core serotonin receptors (MOD-1, SER-4, and LGC-50) that induce slow locomotion upon serotonin release and others (SER-1, SER-5, and SER-7) that interact with them to modulate this behavior. SER-4 induces behavioral responses to sudden increases in serotonin release, whereas MOD-1 induces responses to persistent release. Whole-brain imaging reveals widespread serotonin-associated brain dynamics, spanning many behavioral networks. We map all sites of serotonin receptor expression in the connectome, which, together with synaptic connectivity, helps predict which neurons show serotonin-associated activity. These results reveal how serotonin acts at defined sites across a connectome to modulate brain-wide activity and behavior.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans , Caenorhabditis elegans , Animais , Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolismo , Serotonina/metabolismo , Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolismo , Receptores de Serotonina/genética , Receptores de Serotonina/metabolismo , Comportamento Animal/fisiologia , Encéfalo/metabolismoRESUMO
The serotonin transporter (SERT) removes synaptic serotonin and is the target of anti-depressant drugs. SERT adopts three conformations: outward-open, occluded, and inward-open. All known inhibitors target the outward-open state except ibogaine, which has unusual anti-depressant and substance-withdrawal effects, and stabilizes the inward-open conformation. Unfortunately, ibogaine's promiscuity and cardiotoxicity limit the understanding of inward-open state ligands. We docked over 200 million small molecules against the inward-open state of the SERT. Thirty-six top-ranking compounds were synthesized, and thirteen inhibited; further structure-based optimization led to the selection of two potent (low nanomolar) inhibitors. These stabilized an outward-closed state of the SERT with little activity against common off-targets. A cryo-EM structure of one of these bound to the SERT confirmed the predicted geometry. In mouse behavioral assays, both compounds had anxiolytic- and anti-depressant-like activity, with potencies up to 200-fold better than fluoxetine (Prozac), and one substantially reversed morphine withdrawal effects.
Assuntos
Ibogaína , Inibidores Seletivos de Recaptação de Serotonina , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Serotonina , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequenas , Animais , Camundongos , Fluoxetina/farmacologia , Ibogaína/química , Ibogaína/farmacologia , Conformação Molecular , Serotonina/metabolismo , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Serotonina/química , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Serotonina/metabolismo , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Serotonina/ultraestrutura , Inibidores Seletivos de Recaptação de Serotonina/farmacologia , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequenas/farmacologiaRESUMO
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, "Long COVID") pose a significant global health challenge. The pathophysiology is unknown, and no effective treatments have been found to date. Several hypotheses have been formulated to explain the etiology of PASC, including viral persistence, chronic inflammation, hypercoagulability, and autonomic dysfunction. Here, we propose a mechanism that links all four hypotheses in a single pathway and provides actionable insights for therapeutic interventions. We find that PASC are associated with serotonin reduction. Viral infection and type I interferon-driven inflammation reduce serotonin through three mechanisms: diminished intestinal absorption of the serotonin precursor tryptophan; platelet hyperactivation and thrombocytopenia, which impacts serotonin storage; and enhanced MAO-mediated serotonin turnover. Peripheral serotonin reduction, in turn, impedes the activity of the vagus nerve and thereby impairs hippocampal responses and memory. These findings provide a possible explanation for neurocognitive symptoms associated with viral persistence in Long COVID, which may extend to other post-viral syndromes.
Assuntos
Síndrome de COVID-19 Pós-Aguda , Serotonina , Humanos , COVID-19/complicações , Progressão da Doença , Inflamação , Síndrome de COVID-19 Pós-Aguda/sangue , Síndrome de COVID-19 Pós-Aguda/patologia , Serotonina/sangue , VirosesRESUMO
Chemical synapses between axons and dendrites mediate neuronal intercellular communication. Here, we describe a synapse between axons and primary cilia: the axo-ciliary synapse. Using enhanced focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy on samples with optimally preserved ultrastructure, we discovered synapses between brainstem serotonergic axons and the primary cilia of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Functionally, these cilia are enriched in a ciliary-restricted serotonin receptor, the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 (5-HTR6). Using a cilia-targeted serotonin sensor, we show that opto- and chemogenetic stimulation of serotonergic axons releases serotonin onto cilia. Ciliary 5-HTR6 stimulation activates a non-canonical Gαq/11-RhoA pathway, which modulates nuclear actin and increases histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility. Ablation of this pathway reduces chromatin accessibility in CA1 pyramidal neurons. As a signaling apparatus with proximity to the nucleus, axo-ciliary synapses short circuit neurotransmission to alter the postsynaptic neuron's epigenetic state.
Assuntos
Axônios/fisiologia , Cromatina/química , Cílios , Sinapses , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Cromatina/metabolismo , Cílios/metabolismo , Hipocampo/citologia , Hipocampo/fisiologia , Serotonina/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Sinapses/fisiologiaRESUMO
Rapid neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation is crucial for innate immune responses. Here, we reveal that the G-protein-coupled receptor GPR35 is upregulated in activated neutrophils, and it promotes their migration. GPR35-deficient neutrophils are less recruited from blood vessels into inflamed tissue, and the mice are less efficient in clearing peritoneal bacteria. Using a bioassay, we find that serum and activated platelet supernatant stimulate GPR35, and we identify the platelet-derived serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) as a GPR35 ligand. GPR35 function in neutrophil recruitment is strongly dependent on platelets, with the receptor promoting transmigration across platelet-coated endothelium. Mast cells also attract GPR35+ cells via 5-HIAA. Mice deficient in 5-HIAA show a loss of GPR35-mediated neutrophil recruitment to inflamed tissue. These findings identify 5-HIAA as a GPR35 ligand and neutrophil chemoattractant and establish a role for platelet- and mast cell-produced 5-HIAA in cell recruitment to the sites of inflammation and bacterial clearance.
Assuntos
Ácido Hidroxi-Indolacético/metabolismo , Neutrófilos , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Animais , Inflamação/metabolismo , Ligantes , Camundongos , Infiltração de Neutrófilos , Neutrófilos/metabolismo , Serotonina/metabolismoRESUMO
Ligands can induce G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to adopt a myriad of conformations, many of which play critical roles in determining the activation of specific signaling cascades associated with distinct functional and behavioral consequences. For example, the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is the target of classic hallucinogens, atypical antipsychotics, and psychoplastogens. However, currently available methods are inadequate for directly assessing 5-HT2AR conformation both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we developed psychLight, a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor based on the 5-HT2AR structure. PsychLight detects behaviorally relevant serotonin release and correctly predicts the hallucinogenic behavioral effects of structurally similar 5-HT2AR ligands. We further used psychLight to identify a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog, which produced rapid-onset and long-lasting antidepressant-like effects after a single administration. The advent of psychLight will enable in vivo detection of serotonin dynamics, early identification of designer drugs of abuse, and the development of 5-HT2AR-dependent non-hallucinogenic therapeutics.
Assuntos
Técnicas Biossensoriais , Drogas Desenhadas/química , Drogas Desenhadas/farmacologia , Descoberta de Drogas/métodos , Alucinógenos/química , Alucinógenos/farmacologia , Receptor 5-HT2A de Serotonina/química , Animais , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Feminino , Fluorescência , Corantes Fluorescentes/química , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Fotometria , Conformação Proteica , Engenharia de Proteínas , Receptor 5-HT2A de Serotonina/genética , Receptor 5-HT2A de Serotonina/metabolismo , Serotonina/metabolismo , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequenas/química , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequenas/farmacologiaRESUMO
Serotonin plays a central role in cognition and is the target of most pharmaceuticals for psychiatric disorders. Existing drugs have limited efficacy; creation of improved versions will require better understanding of serotonergic circuitry, which has been hampered by our inability to monitor serotonin release and transport with high spatial and temporal resolution. We developed and applied a binding-pocket redesign strategy, guided by machine learning, to create a high-performance, soluble, fluorescent serotonin sensor (iSeroSnFR), enabling optical detection of millisecond-scale serotonin transients. We demonstrate that iSeroSnFR can be used to detect serotonin release in freely behaving mice during fear conditioning, social interaction, and sleep/wake transitions. We also developed a robust assay of serotonin transporter function and modulation by drugs. We expect that both machine-learning-guided binding-pocket redesign and iSeroSnFR will have broad utility for the development of other sensors and in vitro and in vivo serotonin detection, respectively.
Assuntos
Evolução Molecular Direcionada , Aprendizado de Máquina , Serotonina/metabolismo , Algoritmos , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Tonsila do Cerebelo/fisiologia , Animais , Comportamento Animal , Sítios de Ligação , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Cinética , Modelos Lineares , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Fótons , Ligação Proteica , Proteínas da Membrana Plasmática de Transporte de Serotonina/metabolismo , Sono/fisiologia , Vigília/fisiologiaRESUMO
Neuromodulators bind to pre- and postsynaptic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are able to quickly change intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) and Ca2+ levels, and are thought to play important roles in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discovered in human neurons an unanticipated presynaptic mechanism that acutely changes synaptic ultrastructure and regulates synaptic communication. Activation of neuromodulator receptors bidirectionally controlled synaptic vesicle numbers within nerve terminals. This control correlated with changes in the levels of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of synapsin-1. Using a conditional deletion approach, we reveal that the neuromodulator-induced control of synaptic vesicle numbers was largely dependent on synapsin-1. We propose a mechanism whereby non-phosphorylated synapsin-1 "latches" synaptic vesicles to presynaptic clusters at the active zone. cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of synapsin-1 then removes the vesicles. cAMP-independent dephosphorylation of synapsin-1 in turn recruits vesicles. Synapsin-1 thereby bidirectionally regulates synaptic vesicle numbers and modifies presynaptic neurotransmitter release as an effector of neuromodulator signaling in human neurons.
Assuntos
Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Terminações Pré-Sinápticas/metabolismo , Sinapsinas/metabolismo , Transmissão Sináptica , Vesículas Sinápticas/metabolismo , Animais , Células Cultivadas , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Neurotransmissores/metabolismo , Receptores de Neurotransmissores/metabolismo , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
Animals must respond to the ingestion of food by generating adaptive behaviors, but the role of gut-brain signaling in behavioral regulation is poorly understood. Here, we identify conserved ion channels in an enteric serotonergic neuron that mediate its responses to food ingestion and decipher how these responses drive changes in foraging behavior. We show that the C. elegans serotonergic neuron NSM acts as an enteric sensory neuron that acutely detects food ingestion. We identify the novel and conserved acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) DEL-7 and DEL-3 as NSM-enriched channels required for feeding-dependent NSM activity, which in turn drives slow locomotion while animals feed. Point mutations that alter the DEL-7 channel change NSM dynamics and associated behavioral dynamics of the organism. This study provides causal links between food ingestion, molecular and physiological properties of an enteric serotonergic neuron, and adaptive feeding behaviors, yielding a new view of how enteric neurons control behavior.
Assuntos
Canais Iônicos Sensíveis a Ácido/metabolismo , Sistema Nervoso Entérico/metabolismo , Comportamento Alimentar/fisiologia , Canais Iônicos Sensíveis a Ácido/fisiologia , Animais , Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolismo , Caenorhabditis elegans/fisiologia , Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolismo , Sistema Nervoso Entérico/fisiologia , Alimentos , Canais Iônicos/metabolismo , Canais Iônicos/fisiologia , Locomoção , Neurônios/metabolismo , Células Receptoras Sensoriais/metabolismo , Neurônios Serotoninérgicos/metabolismo , Neurônios Serotoninérgicos/fisiologia , Serotonina , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
Drugs frequently require interactions with multiple targets-via a process known as polypharmacology-to achieve their therapeutic actions. Currently, drugs targeting several serotonin receptors, including the 5-HT2C receptor, are useful for treating obesity, drug abuse, and schizophrenia. The competing challenges of developing selective 5-HT2C receptor ligands or creating drugs with a defined polypharmacological profile, especially aimed at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), remain extremely difficult. Here, we solved two structures of the 5-HT2C receptor in complex with the highly promiscuous agonist ergotamine and the 5-HT2A-C receptor-selective inverse agonist ritanserin at resolutions of 3.0 Å and 2.7 Å, respectively. We analyzed their respective binding poses to provide mechanistic insights into their receptor recognition and opposing pharmacological actions. This study investigates the structural basis of polypharmacology at canonical GPCRs and illustrates how understanding characteristic patterns of ligand-receptor interaction and activation may ultimately facilitate drug design at multiple GPCRs.
Assuntos
Ergotamina/química , Receptor 5-HT2C de Serotonina/química , Ritanserina/química , Agonistas do Receptor 5-HT2 de Serotonina/química , Antagonistas do Receptor 5-HT2 de Serotonina/química , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Obesidade/tratamento farmacológico , Obesidade/metabolismo , Domínios Proteicos , Receptor 5-HT2C de Serotonina/metabolismo , Esquizofrenia/tratamento farmacológico , Esquizofrenia/metabolismo , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/metabolismoRESUMO
The dorsal raphe (DR) constitutes a major serotonergic input to the forebrain and modulates diverse functions and brain states, including mood, anxiety, and sensory and motor functions. Most functional studies to date have treated DR serotonin neurons as a single population. Using viral-genetic methods, we found that subcortical- and cortical-projecting serotonin neurons have distinct cell-body distributions within the DR and differentially co-express a vesicular glutamate transporter. Further, amygdala- and frontal-cortex-projecting DR serotonin neurons have largely complementary whole-brain collateralization patterns, receive biased inputs from presynaptic partners, and exhibit opposite responses to aversive stimuli. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments suggest that amygdala-projecting DR serotonin neurons promote anxiety-like behavior, whereas frontal-cortex-projecting neurons promote active coping in the face of challenge. These results provide compelling evidence that the DR serotonin system contains parallel sub-systems that differ in input and output connectivity, physiological response properties, and behavioral functions.
Assuntos
Núcleo Dorsal da Rafe/anatomia & histologia , Núcleo Dorsal da Rafe/fisiologia , Serotonina/fisiologia , Adaptação Psicológica/fisiologia , Tonsila do Cerebelo/fisiologia , Animais , Ansiedade/fisiopatologia , Encéfalo/fisiologia , Núcleo Dorsal da Rafe/metabolismo , Feminino , Lobo Frontal/fisiologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Neurônios/fisiologia , Serotonina/metabolismoRESUMO
The crosstalk between the immune and neuroendocrine systems is critical for intestinal homeostasis and gut-brain communications. However, it remains unclear how immune cells participate in gut sensation of hormones and neurotransmitters release in response to environmental cues, such as self-lipids and microbial lipids. We show here that lipid-mediated engagement of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells with enterochromaffin (EC) cells, a subset of intestinal epithelial cells, promoted peripheral serotonin (5-HT) release via a CD1d-dependent manner, regulating gut motility and hemostasis. We also demonstrated that inhibitory sphingolipids from symbiotic microbe Bacteroides fragilis represses 5-HT release. Mechanistically, CD1d ligation on EC cells transduced a signal and restrained potassium conductance through activation of protein tyrosine kinase Pyk2, leading to calcium influx and 5-HT secretion. Together, our data reveal that by engaging with iNKT cells, gut chemosensory cells selectively perceive lipid antigens via CD1d to control 5-HT release, modulating intestinal and systemic homeostasis.
Assuntos
Células T Matadoras Naturais , Serotonina , Serotonina/metabolismo , Lipídeos , Antígenos CD1d/metabolismoRESUMO
The prototypical hallucinogen LSD acts via serotonin receptors, and here we describe the crystal structure of LSD in complex with the human serotonin receptor 5-HT2B. The complex reveals conformational rearrangements to accommodate LSD, providing a structural explanation for the conformational selectivity of LSD's key diethylamide moiety. LSD dissociates exceptionally slow from both 5-HT2BR and 5-HT2AR-a major target for its psychoactivity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that LSD's slow binding kinetics may be due to a "lid" formed by extracellular loop 2 (EL2) at the entrance to the binding pocket. A mutation predicted to increase the mobility of this lid greatly accelerates LSD's binding kinetics and selectively dampens LSD-mediated ß-arrestin2 recruitment. This study thus reveals an unexpected binding mode of LSD; illuminates key features of its kinetics, stereochemistry, and signaling; and provides a molecular explanation for LSD's actions at human serotonin receptors. PAPERCLIP.
Assuntos
Dietilamida do Ácido Lisérgico/química , Receptor 5-HT2B de Serotonina/química , Arrestina/química , Cristalografia por Raios X , Humanos , Cinética , Modelos Químicos , Simulação de Dinâmica MolecularRESUMO
Apart from the canonical serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT])-receptor signaling transduction pattern, 5-HT-involved post-translational serotonylation has recently been noted. Here, we report a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) serotonylation system that promotes the glycolytic metabolism and antitumor immune activity of CD8+ T cells. Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) transfers 5-HT to GAPDH glutamine 262 and catalyzes the serotonylation reaction. Serotonylation supports the cytoplasmic localization of GAPDH, which induces a glycolytic metabolic shift in CD8+ T cells and contributes to antitumor immunity. CD8+ T cells accumulate intracellular 5-HT for serotonylation through both synthesis by tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) and uptake from the extracellular compartment via serotonin transporter (SERT). Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) degrades 5-HT and acts as an intrinsic negative regulator of CD8+ T cells. The adoptive transfer of 5-HT-producing TPH1-overexpressing chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells induced a robust antitumor response. Our findings expand the known range of neuroimmune interaction patterns by providing evidence of receptor-independent serotonylation post-translational modification.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos , Serotonina , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/metabolismo , Serotonina/metabolismo , Serotonina/farmacologia , Processamento de Proteína Pós-Traducional , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
To execute accurate movements, animals must continuously adapt their behavior to changes in their bodies and environments. Animals can learn changes in the relationship between their locomotor commands and the resulting distance moved, then adjust command strength to achieve a desired travel distance. It is largely unknown which circuits implement this form of motor learning, or how. Using whole-brain neuronal imaging and circuit manipulations in larval zebrafish, we discovered that the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) mediates short-term locomotor learning. Serotonergic DRN neurons respond phasically to swim-induced visual motion, but little to motion that is not self-generated. During prolonged exposure to a given motosensory gain, persistent DRN activity emerges that stores the learned efficacy of motor commands and adapts future locomotor drive for tens of seconds. The DRN's ability to track the effectiveness of motor intent may constitute a computational building block for the broader functions of the serotonergic system. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Assuntos
Aprendizagem , Modelos Neurológicos , Natação , Peixe-Zebra/fisiologia , Animais , Mapeamento Encefálico , Larva , Optogenética , Núcleos da Rafe/fisiologia , Neurônios Serotoninérgicos/citologia , Neurônios Serotoninérgicos/fisiologia , Processamento EspacialRESUMO
Nervous systems evolved to effectively navigate the dynamics of the environment to achieve their goals. One framework used to study this fundamental problem arose in the study of learning and decision-making. In this framework, the demands of effective behavior require slow dynamics-on the scale of seconds to minutes-of networks of neurons. Here, we review the phenomena and mechanisms involved. Using vignettes from a few species and areas of the nervous system, we view neuromodulators as key substrates for temporal scaling of neuronal dynamics.
Assuntos
Tomada de Decisões , Neurofisiologia , Tomada de Decisões/fisiologia , Aprendizagem/fisiologia , Neurônios/fisiologia , NeurotransmissoresRESUMO
The gastrointestinal tract is known as the largest endocrine organ that encounters and integrates various immune stimulations and neuronal responses due to constant environmental challenges. Enterochromaffin (EC) cells, which function as chemosensors on the gut epithelium, are known to translate environmental cues into serotonin (5-HT) production, contributing to intestinal physiology. However, how immune signals participate in gut sensation and neuroendocrine response remains unclear. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) acts as an alarmin cytokine by alerting the system of potential environmental stresses. We here demonstrate that IL-33 induced instantaneous peristaltic movement and facilitated Trichuris muris expulsion. We found that IL-33 could be sensed by EC cells, inducing release of 5-HT. IL-33-mediated 5-HT release activated enteric neurons, subsequently promoting gut motility. Mechanistically, IL-33 triggered calcium influx via a non-canonical signaling pathway specifically in EC cells to induce 5-HT secretion. Our data establish an immune-neuroendocrine axis in calibrating rapid 5-HT release for intestinal homeostasis.
Assuntos
Células Enterocromafins/fisiologia , Interleucina-33/metabolismo , Intestinos/fisiologia , Neurônios/fisiologia , Serotonina/metabolismo , Tricuríase/imunologia , Trichuris/fisiologia , Animais , Sinalização do Cálcio , Homeostase , Interleucina-33/imunologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Neuroimunomodulação , PeristaltismoRESUMO
Serotonin (or 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter that activates 12 different G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) through selective coupling of Gs, Gi, or Gq proteins. The structural basis for G protein subtype selectivity by these GPCRs remains elusive. Here, we report the structures of the serotonin receptors 5-HT4, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 with Gs, and 5-HT4 with Gi1. The structures reveal that transmembrane helices TM5 and TM6 alternate lengths as a macro-switch to determine receptor's selectivity for Gs and Gi, respectively. We find that the macro-switch by the TM5-TM6 length is shared by class A GPCR-G protein structures. Furthermore, we discover specific residues within TM5 and TM6 that function as micro-switches to form specific interactions with Gs or Gi. Together, these results present a common mechanism of Gs versus Gi protein coupling selectivity or promiscuity by class A GPCRs and extend the basis of ligand recognition at serotonin receptors.
Assuntos
Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G , Serotonina , Proteínas de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismo , Ligantes , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Receptores de Serotonina/genética , Receptores de Serotonina/metabolismoRESUMO
A recent report by Chen et al. describes the discovery of RmNMT, a highly active and promiscuous tryptamine N-methyltransferase from the cane toad, Rhinella marina. N,N-dimethyltryptamine derivatives produced by this enzyme were then evaluated for their potential to serve as next-generation treatments for mental health disorders.
Assuntos
Alucinógenos , Alucinógenos/farmacologia , N,N-DimetiltriptaminaRESUMO
The brain serotonin systems participate in numerous aspects of reward processing, although it remains elusive how exactly serotonin signals regulate neural computation and reward-related behavior. The application of optogenetics and imaging techniques during the last decade has provided many insights. Here, we review recent progress on the organization and physiology of the dorsal raphe serotonin neurons and the relationships between their activity and behavioral functions in the context of reward processing. We also discuss several interesting theories on serotonin's function and how these theories may be reconciled by the possibility that serotonin, acting in synergy with coreleased glutamate, tracks and calculates the so-called beneficialness of the current state to guide an animal's behavior in dynamic environments.