Molecules in the Serotonin-Melatonin Synthesis Pathway Have Distinct Interactions with Lipid Membranes.

ABSTRACT: The neurotransmitter serotonin is involved in physiological processes such as appetite, sleep, and mood and diseases such as anxiety and depression. Traditionally, the effects of serotonin were thought to be initiated by binding to its target transmembrane receptors. It is also known that serotonin can bind directly to the membrane with high affinity and modulate lipid dynamics, lateral segregation of lipids, vesicular association, and membrane protein activity. We investigated if other small molecules in the serotonin metabolic pathway, some of which are known to be signaling molecules while some others are not, have similar membrane modulating effects. Therefore, we examined serotonin and several of its metabolites: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), serotonin, N-acetylserotonin (NAS),

SUBMITTER: Engberg O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11912468 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature