TY - JOUR T1 - Genetic and early environmental influences on the serotonin system: consequences for brain development and risk for psychopathology JF - Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience JO - J Psychiatry Neurosci SP - 5 LP - 18 DO - 10.1503/jpn.140099 VL - 40 IS - 1 AU - Linda Booij AU - Richard E. Tremblay AU - Moshe Szyf AU - Chawki Benkelfat Y1 - 2015/01/01 UR - http://jpn.ca/content/40/1/5.abstract N2 - Background: Despite more than 60 years of research in the role of serotonin (5-HT) in psychopathology, many questions still remain. From a developmental perspective, studies have provided more insight into how 5-HT dysfunctions acquired in utero or early in life may modulate brain development. This paper discusses the relevance of the developmental role of 5-HT for the understanding of psychopathology. We review developmental milestones of the 5-HT system, how genetic and environmental 5-HT disturbances could affect brain development and the potential role of DNA methylation in 5-HT genes for brain development.Methods: Studies were identified using common databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar) and reference lists.Results: Despite the widely supported view that the 5-HT system matures in early life, different 5-HT receptors, proteins and enzymes have different developmental patterns, and development is brain region–specific. A disruption in 5-HT homeostasis during development may lead to structural and functional changes in brain circuits that modulate emotional stress responses, including subcortical limbic and (pre)frontal areas. This may result in a predisposition to psychopathology. DNA methylation might be one of the underlying physiologic mechanisms.Limitations: There is a need for prospective studies. The impact of stressors during adolescence on the 5-HT system is understudied. Questions regarding efficacy of drugs acting on 5-HT still remain.Conclusion: A multidisciplinary and longitudinal approach in designing studies on the role of 5-HT in psychopathology might help to bring us closer to the understanding of the role of 5-HT in psychopathology. ER -