Serotonergic modulation of excitatory synapse development and plasticity
Victoria N. Chang, Roberto Ogelman, R. Vargas, Won Chan Oh
Molecules and Cells March 10, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2026.100346 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | General (serotonin and synapse development) |
| Topics | Neuroplasticity Serotonin |
| Keywords | Excitatory postsynaptic potential Modulation music Excitatory synapse Nonsynaptic plasticity |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Serotonin signaling through its various receptor subtypes plays a critical role in the development, maturation, and plasticity of excitatory synapses on dendritic spines. |
Abstract
Excitatory synapse plasticity at postsynaptic dendritic spines is directly modulated through neurotransmitter signaling. Serotonin (5-HT) is a primary neuromodulator in the brain that activates 14 subtypes of G-protein-coupled receptors, each with distinct expression patterns and downstream signaling mechanisms. Disruptions of serotonergic transmission during development and adulthood induce long-lasting behavioral and neuronal changes, often characterized by profound alterations in the structure and function of dendritic spines, suggesting 5-HT plays a critical role in excitatory synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes research demonstrating the importance of 5-HT receptors in the development and maturation of excitatory postsynaptic synapses. We focus on 5-HT receptor-mediated signaling and how different 5-HT receptors influence the various stages in the lifetime of a dendritic spine from spinogenesis to stabilization, potentiation, and depression. Finally, we highlight recent advances from the past decade in 5-HT research, focusing on how atypical serotonergic signaling alters excitatory synapse plasticity and how serotonergic psychedelics affect dendritic spine structure and function.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on serotonin, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 26
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- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
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- Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse July 21, 2016
- Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Neuron July 5, 2021
and 21 more in the library