Summary of SLC6A4
The SLC6A4 gene codes for the serotonin transporter (SERT). It stops serotonin activity by transporting serotonin back into the brain cells that release it [R].
SLC6A4 variants have been linked to many conditions, including [R]:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Drug dependencies
- Cardiovascular diseases
Some antidepressants (SSRIs) work by blocking SERT and boosting serotonin levels in the brain [R].
Protein names
Recommended name:
Sodium-dependent serotonin transporterShort name:
SERTAlternative name(s):
5HT transporter5HTT
Solute carrier family 6 member 4
- RS1042173 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS11867581 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS140700 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS140701 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS2020933 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS2020934 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS2020936 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS2020942 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS2066713 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS2129785 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS25531 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS3794808 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS4251417 (SLC6A4) ??
- RS6354 (SLC6A4) ??
To see your genotype, you should be logged in and have a file with your genotype uploaded.
Top Gene-Substance Interactions
SLC6A4 Interacts with These Diseases
| Disease | Score |
Substances That Increase SLC6A4
| Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Substances That Decrease SLC6A4
| Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Advanced Summary
Serotonin transporter whose primary function in the central nervous system involves the regulation of serotonergic signaling via transport of serotonin molecules from the synaptic cleft back into the pre-synaptic terminal for re-utilization.
Plays a key role in mediating regulation of the availability of serotonin to other receptors of serotonergic systems. Terminates the action of serotonin and recycles it in a sodium-dependent manner.
From NCBI Gene:
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
This gene encodes an integral membrane protein that transports the neurotransmitter serotonin from synaptic spaces into presynaptic neurons.
The encoded protein terminates the action of serotonin and recycles it in a sodium-dependent manner.
This protein is a target of psychomotor stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine, and is a member of the sodium:neurotransmitter symporter family.
A repeat length polymorphism in the promoter of this gene has been shown to affect the rate of serotonin uptake and may play a role in sudden infant death syndrome, aggressive behavior in Alzheimer disease patients, and depression-susceptibility in people experiencing emotional trauma.
Conditions with Increased Gene Activity
| Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
|---|
Conditions with Decreased Gene Activity
| Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
|---|
Technical
The following transcription factors affect gene expression:
Tissue specificity:
Expressed in platelets (at protein level).
Induction:
Down-regulated when plasma serotonin is elevated.
Molecular Function:
- Serotonin:Sodium Symporter Activity
- Monoamine Transmembrane Transporter Activity
- Serotonin Transmembrane Transporter Activity
- Rab Gtpase Binding
- Cocaine Binding
- Metal Ion Binding
- Actin Filament Binding
Biological Processes:
- Response To Hypoxia
- Serotonin Transport
- Chemical Synaptic Transmission
- Response To Nutrient
- Memory
- Circadian Rhythm
- Response To Toxic Substance
- Positive Regulation Of Gene Expression
- Monoamine Transport
- Thalamus Development
- Negative Regulation Of Cerebellar Granule Cell Precursor Proliferation
- Negative Regulation Of Synaptic Transmission, Dopaminergic
- Response To Estradiol
- Social Behavior
- Vasoconstriction
- Sperm Ejaculation
- Negative Regulation Of Neuron Differentiation
- Positive Regulation Of Cell Cycle
- Negative Regulation Of Organ Growth
- Brain Morphogenesis
- Protein Oligomerization
- Protein Homooligomerization
- Serotonin Uptake
- Cellular Response To Retinoic Acid
- Cellular Response To Cgmp
Drug Bank:
- Atomoxetine
- Chlorphenamine
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexmethylphenidate
- Duloxetine
- Ephedra
- Levomilnacipran
- Pethidine
- Vilazodone
- Amphetamine
- Butriptyline
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Cocaine
- Desipramine
- Dextromethorphan
- Dopamine
- Doxepin
- Escitalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Loxapine
- Mazindol
- Methamphetamine
- Methylphenidate
- Mianserin
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Nefazodone
- Nortriptyline
- Paroxetine
- Protriptyline
- Pseudoephedrine
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Tapentadol
- Tramadol
- Trimipramine
- Venlafaxine
- Verapamil
- Vortioxetine
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Dexfenfluramine
- Imipramine
- Minaprine
- Phentermine
- Trazodone