title: Serotonin in the modulation of neural plasticity and networks: implications for neurodevelopmental disorders.
abstract: Serotonin (5-HT) shapes brain networks during development and modulates a wide spectrum of essential neuronal functions ranging from perception and cognitive appraisal to emotional responses in the mature brain. Deficits in 5-HT-moderated synaptic signaling fundamentally impact the pathophysiology and long-term outcome of neurodevelopmental disorders. Our understanding of how 5-HT-dependent modulation of circuit configuration influences social cognition and emotional learning has been enhanced by recent insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of synapse formation and plasticity. In this review, we discuss emerging concepts as to how defects in synaptic plasticity impact our biosocial brain and how recent findings regarding 5-HT's role in brain development and function provide insight into the cellular and physiological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, ADHD Clinical Research Network, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany. kplesch@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
authors.forename: Klaus-Peter
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Lesch
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Waider
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin