SLC6A4

Source: NCBI Gene, accessed 2026-10-07.

Protein

Sodium-dependent serotonin transporter

Function (excerpt)

Serotonin transporter that cotransports serotonin with one Na(+) ion in exchange for one K(+) ion and possibly one proton in an overall electroneutral transport cycle. Transports serotonin across the plasma membrane from the extracellular compartment to the cytosol thus limiting serotonin intercellular signaling. Essential for serotonin homeostasis in the central nervous system. In the developing somatosensory cortex, acts in glutamatergic neurons to control serotonin uptake and its trophic functions accounting for proper spatial organization of cortical neurons and elaboration of sensory circuits. In the mature cortex, acts primarily in brainstem raphe neurons to mediate serotonin uptake from the synaptic cleft back into the pre-synaptic terminal thus terminating serotonin signaling at the synapse (By similarity). Modulates mucosal serotonin levels in the gastrointestinal tract through uptake and clearance of serotonin in enterocytes.

Subcellular location

Cell membrane; Endomembrane system; Endosome membrane; Synapse; Cell junction, focal adhesion; Cell projection, neuron projection.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in platelets (at protein level).

Source: UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot P31645, release 2026_03, licensed CC BY 4.0. This is the protein’s normal biology, not evidence about post-drug syndromes; associated conditions are inherited disorders of the gene, not PFS, PSSD or PRSD.

Written for the whole drug transporters / neurotransmission family, not for SLC6A4 specifically.