Multiple predicted targets in serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways

The term "Multiple predicted targets in serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways" refers to a complex network of proteins, primarily G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and monoamine transporters, that regulate the signaling of serotonin and dopamine in the central nervous system (StatPearls: Physiology, Serotonin). These pathways are essential for modulating a wide array of physiological and psychological processes, including mood, reward, cognition, and motor control (PubMed: PMID 25839398). Key molecular components within this system include the dopamine D2 receptor family and various serotonin receptor subtypes, such as 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7, as well as the serotonin transporter (SERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) (UniProt: P14416, P28223). In clinical practice, these pathways are the primary focus of "atypical" or second-generation antipsychotics and certain antidepressants, which utilize polypharmacology to achieve therapeutic effects (PubMed: PMID 11305854). Dysregulation of these interconnected systems is a hallmark of several neuropsychiatric conditions, most notably schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (NIH: NIMH Schizophrenia). Because this designation encompasses a broad array of distinct molecular entities rather than a single protein, it is frequently used in computational drug discovery and systems biology to describe the multi-target profile of complex ligands. Therapeutic intervention in these pathways requires a delicate balance to avoid side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms or metabolic disturbances (StatPearls: Antipsychotic Medications).

Other names

Serotonin-Dopamine systemMonoaminergic pathwaysPolypharmacological targetsDual serotonergic-dopaminergic modulationSerotonin-Dopamine receptor system

Drugs targeting these pathways typically act through a combination of antagonism, partial agonism, or inverse agonism at various dopamine (primarily D2) and serotonin (primarily 5-HT2A, 5-HT1A, 5-HT7) receptors, alongside inhibition of monoamine transporters (SERT, DAT) to modulate synaptic neurotransmitter levels (PubMed: PMID 11305854, PMID 25839398).