serotonin transporter

The serotonin transporter is a protein in the brain that helps regulate levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood, emotion, and behavior. It acts like a shuttle, taking serotonin back into the nerve cells after it has sent its message. By controlling serotonin levels, the transporter influences feelings of happiness and well-being. Some medications for depression and anxiety work by blocking this transporter, allowing more serotonin to stay active in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms. Understanding this transporter is key in studying mental health and developing treatments.