SERT (serotonin transporter)

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a protein found in nerve cells that helps regulate mood and emotional balance. Its primary role is to reabsorb serotonin, a chemical involved in transmitting signals between nerve cells, from the space between neurons back into the cell. This process controls how long serotonin stays active in the brain, influencing feelings of well-being and happiness. Medications like certain antidepressants target SERT to increase serotonin levels, helping improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety. In essence, SERT acts as a critical regulator of serotonin's availability in the brain.