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Serotonin and neuronal growth factors – a convergence of signaling pathways
Author(s) -
Cowen Daniel S.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04420.x
Subject(s) - mapk/erk pathway , protein kinase b , serotonin , signal transduction , neurotrophin , neuroscience , neurogenesis , 5 ht receptor , monoamine neurotransmitter , neuroprotection , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , chemistry , receptor , biochemistry
Monoamines, including serotonin (5‐HT), have traditionally been associated with short‐term signaling pathways in neurons, such as the modulation of cAMP and Ca 2+ levels. In contrast, neuronal growth factors, such as neurotrophins, have been traditionally associated with signaling pathways, such as those for activation of extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt (protein kinase B), which are known to induce long‐term protective changes. It has therefore been unclear how antidepressants that increase serotonin (5‐HT), induce such changes as hippocampal neuroprotection and neurogenesis. It has been hypothesized, that the actions of 5‐HT may be mediated indirectly through increased synthesis of peptide growth factors. However, there is increasing evidence that some subtypes of 5‐HT receptors can directly couple to activation of the ERK and Akt pathways. Such coupling suggests a more direct potential role for 5‐HT in mediating the long‐term actions induced by antidepressants.