Sodium-dependent serotonin transporter (SERT)

The sodium-dependent serotonin transporter (SERT), encoded by the SLC6A4 gene, is a membrane protein responsible for the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into presynaptic neurons. This process is essential for terminating serotonergic signaling and recycling serotonin in a sodium-dependent manner. SERT operates via cotransporting one Na+ ion with each molecule of serotonin in exchange for one K+ ion and possibly one proton. It plays a critical role in maintaining central nervous system homeostasis of serotonin levels. The transporter is also present in platelets where it regulates blood levels of serotonin and contributes to platelet aggregation. Dysregulation or genetic variation in SERT has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, substance use disorders, and others. Many antidepressant drugs—including SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants—exert their therapeutic effects by inhibiting this transporter[1][3][5].

Other names

SLC6A45-HTTSerotonin transporterSolute carrier family 6 member 4

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake by binding to the transporter and blocking its function[3][4]