Novel modes of signalling of serotonin 5_HT2c receptors

This project focuses on a special family of receptor proteins that mediate the actions of the neurochemical, serotonin (5HT), in the human brain. These serotonin receptors are major targets for antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, and also play a role in anxiety, migraine and control of appetite. Despite the important role of serotonin receptors in helath disease, the mechanism of action of many drugs acting on these receptors remains unknown. Our project will specifically investigate novel molecular mechanisms associated with serotonin receptor activity that may prove vital in understanding mechanisms of psychiatric illnesses, and how many psychiatric medicines actually work.