RESEARCH: PARKINSONS
FOLDING PROJECT #17912 PROFILE

This project looks at how changes in the serotonin transporter protein can cause mental health problems like depression. By simulating these changes, scientists hope to learn more about how to treat these disorders.

These projects contains simulations of the serotonin transporter, the protein responsible for terminating neurotransmission in neurons.

The neurotransmitter serotonin regulates various functions in the body such as mood, behavior, appettite, and sleep, and is a major drug targets for antidepressants.

Malfunctions in the serotonin transporter have been assoicated with mental disorders including depression and Parkinson's.

Our goal in performing these simulations is to understand how mutations affect the structure and dynamics of the serotonin transporter and provide insights to treat psychatric disorders assoicated with these mutations.

serotonin transporter

Protein responsible for terminating neurotransmitter serotonin signaling.

The serotonin transporter is a protein found in neurons that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. It works by reabsorbing serotonin from the synapse, the space between neurons, effectively stopping its action. Malfunctions in this transporter are linked to mental health disorders like depression and Parkinson's disease.

neurotransmission

The process of transmitting signals across synapses.

Neurotransmission is the complex process by which neurons communicate with each other. It involves the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which travel across a small gap called a synapse and bind to receptors on the receiving neuron. This triggers a cascade of events that ultimately leads to a change in the receiving neuron's activity.

serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions.

Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a vital role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and many other bodily functions. Imbalances in serotonin levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

mutation

A permanent change in the DNA sequence.

A mutation is a change in the genetic code (DNA) of an organism. These changes can occur spontaneously or be caused by environmental factors like radiation. Mutations can have various effects, ranging from being harmless to causing diseases like cancer.

psychatric

Relating to the treatment of mental disorders.

Psychiatric refers to the field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating these conditions using a variety of therapies, medications, and other interventions.