Is There a Genetic Link With Lobster Serotonin and That Found in Mammals?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Research indicates that lobsters have a complex serotonergic system with numerous neurons and nerve endings showing serotonin-like immunoreactivity. Additionally, the presence of genes in lobsters that are homologous to those involved in serotonin synthesis in mammals suggests a genetic link between the serotonin pathways of these species. This genetic connection highlights the evolutionary conservation of serotonin’s role across different organisms.

The study of serotonin in lobsters and its genetic links to serotonin in mammals is an intriguing area of research. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays significant roles in both lobsters and mammals, influencing various physiological and behavioral processes. Understanding the genetic connections between these species can provide insights into the evolutionary conservation of serotonin pathways.

Key Insights

• Serotonin-like Immunoreactivity in Lobsters:
  • Lobsters have numerous serotonergic neurons, with more than 100 cell bodies showing serotonin-like immunoreactivity, primarily located in central ganglia1.
  • A dense network of serotonin-immunoreactive nerve endings surrounds thoracic second roots, originating from central neurons1.
• Genetic Homology with Mammalian Serotonin Pathways:
  • Lobsters possess genes homologous to mammalian genes encoding biopterin-dependent amine hydroxylases, including tryptophan hydroxylase, which is crucial for serotonin synthesis2.
  • The presence of these homologous genes suggests a genetic link between the serotonin pathways in lobsters and mammals2.