Topic: SERT

This study aims to evaluate the contribution of extraembryonic sources of serotonin to prefrontal cortex (PFC) development and understand the placental role and mechanisms of serotonin supplementation to the foetus. To this end, we used mice deficient in serotonin production (TPH1 and TPH2 KO) and serotonin transporters (SERT and OCT3 KO). We assessed serotonin levels in placenta and embryonic brain during different phases of prenatal neurodevelopment using HPLC and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we evaluated the PFC maturation and serotonergic wiring by 3D brain ECi imaging in these mice.

Fluorescent drug conjugates enable the selective visualization of proteins in cell models, primary cultures, and tissue preparations. These compounds have become valuable tools in neuroscience in investigating the expression and function of ion channels, receptors, and transporters. In this project, we explored the utility of fluorescent drug conjugates in visualizing the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the brain. We made use of a recently developed class of fluorescent compounds called PyrAtes which offer interesting chemical properties, photostability, and large Stokes shifts. Herein, two co

The crisis in youth mental health has intensified, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional assessment tools like the Highly Sensitive Person – HSP index (1) and the Perceived Stress Scale – PSS (2) provide valuable insights but may overlook the multifaceted nature of mental health. Thus, incorporating molecular biomarkers becomes crucial to unravel the interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. In this work, we combined neuropsychological and epigenetic data in a machine learning algorithm to predict HSP scores in university students and to provide individualis