5-HT(3) receptors: potential of individual isoforms for personalised therapy

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2011 Feb;11(1):81-6. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2011.01.011. Epub 2011 Feb 21.

Abstract

Serotonin type 3 (5-HT(3)) receptors are ligand-gated ion channels built by five subunits of diverse composition. In humans, five subunits exist (5-HT3A-E) which are encoded by the genes HTR3A-E and are expressed in various isoforms. Recently, the importance of factors influencing receptor expression became clear, such as chaperones and microRNAs. Owing to their expression profile and physiological functions, 5-HT(3) receptors have been implicated in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric disorders. Interestingly, HTR3 variants have now been shown to be associated with these conditions. This underlines the potential of 5-HT(3) receptors as therapeutic targets and may enable personalised therapies in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / metabolism
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3 / chemistry
  • Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3 / genetics
  • Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3 / metabolism*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3