5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter and hormone that modulates mood, appetite, sleep, and emotion. Serotonin receptors (5-HT1A) are G-protein-coupled receptors, which mediate inhibitory neurotransmission.  Previous research has shown that consistent activation of the 5-HT1A receptors lead to neurite growth and neuronalsurvival.  The overall objective of the project is to synthesize serotonin using a novel 6-step pathway starting with gramine.  Optimization of the hydrogenation conditions is underway to increase the yield of the saturated indoline.  Several derivatives will also be synthesized and a Structure-Activity Relationship study will be developed to determine the functional group binding specificity and its ability to activate the 5-HT1A receptors. Serotonin and its derivatives may then be used to combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.

Studies toward the novel total synthesis of serotonin and derivatives which may prove effective in treating neurdegenerative disorders

241st National Meeting (2011)

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