Synchrony 2023 Talk TRAILER: Serotonin, Autism and the Immune System - Randy Blakely PhD

Serotonin plays a crucial role as a neuromodulator in the brain , impacting mood, habits, rewards, anxiety levels, and social behavior. It also affects various peripheral processes such as vasoconstriction, blood clotting, and intestinal function, among others. Dr. Blakeley's laboratory was the first to identify the gene responsible for encoding the serotonin transporter (SERT, 5-HTT, SLC6A4), which is sensitive to antidepressants. Over the past thirty years, they have investigated the mechanisms that control SERT protein activity and factors that can disrupt these processes.
Their research revealed that the inflammatory cytokine IL-1B plays a significant role in regulating SERT. They also observed reversible changes in the physiology, behavior, and #gut function of mice with mutated SERT.
In Dr. Blakeley's Synchrony 2023 presentation, he discusses recent discoveries indicating that IL-1b modulates serotonin signaling through IL-1 receptors located in the soma and axons, mediated by p38a MAPK signaling. These changes lead to alterations in forebrain circuit activity, which can be normalized using genetic and pharmacological interventions.
#autism #serotonin #inflammation #inflammatory #cytokines #brainfunction #gastrointestinal #neuromodulation
🎥 Full recording of this, and other Synchrony 2023 presentations, is available on • Synchrony Symposium 2023
Synchrony brainfoundatio... is the first and only international symposium on translational research in #autism, that brings together academia, biotech, pharmaceutical companies and venture partners from around the world with the mission to improve health and quality of life of people with autism.
#repurposingdrugs #clinicaltrials #autismspectrumdisorder
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The BRAIN Foundation brainfoundatio... is a 501c(3) non-profit. The founders of BRAIN envision a world where every child and adult on the autism spectrum is healthy, participates fully in education and employment, and has a better quality of life. It aims to catalyze research that results in evidence-based interventions for the disabilities associated with autism, and also results in better medical standard of care. To accomplish this, it funds impactful research through #philanthropy and our network of partners in the venture, corporate, and grassroots community.