Functional polymorphisms of the brain serotonin synthesizing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-2

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2006 Jan;63(1):6-11. doi: 10.1007/s00018-005-5417-4.

Abstract

Many neuropsychiatric disorders are considered to be related to the dysregulation of brain serotonergic neurotransmission. Tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) is the neuronal-specific enzyme that controls brain serotonin synthesis. There is growing genetic evidence for the possible involvement of TPH2 in serotonin-related neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the degree of genetic variation in TPH2 and, in particular, its possible functional consequences remain unknown. In this short review, we will summarize some recent findings with respect to the functional analysis of TPH2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / enzymology
  • Nervous System Diseases / genetics
  • Nervous System Diseases / psychology
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Serotonin / biosynthesis*
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / chemistry
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / genetics*
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Serotonin
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase