title: The serotonin receptor 7 and the structural plasticity of brain circuits.
abstract: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) modulates numerous physiological processes in the nervous system. Together with its function as neurotransmitter, 5-HT regulates neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine shape and density, growth cone motility and synapse formation during development. In the mammalian brain 5-HT innervation is virtually ubiquitous and the diversity and specificity of its signaling and function arise from at least 20 different receptors, grouped in 7 classes. Here we will focus on the role 5-HT7 receptor (5-HT7R) in the correct establishment of neuronal cytoarchitecture during development, as also suggested by its involvement in several neurodevelopmental disorders. The emerging picture shows that this receptor is a key player contributing not only to shape brain networks during development but also to remodel neuronal wiring in the mature brain, thus controlling cognitive and emotional responses. The activation of 5-HT7R might be one of the mechanisms underlying the ability of the CNS to respond to different stimuli by modulation of its circuit configuration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Italy ; Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Research Council (CNR) Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Floriana
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Volpicelli
authors.affiliation: Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Research Council (CNR) Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Speranza
authors.affiliation: Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Research Council (CNR) Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Umberto
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: di Porzio
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crispino
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Italy ; Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Research Council (CNR) Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perrone-Capano
keywords: 5-HT7R; brain connectivity; brain development; neurodevelopmental diseases; neuronal cytoarchitecture; serotonin