The serotonin 5-HT₆ receptor: a viable drug target for treating cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

The serotonin 6 receptor is attracting attention as an etiological contributor in cognition deficits in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety/depression and schizophrenia. In this review, we discuss the role of this recently discovered G protein-coupled receptor in cognition and memory, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease. A surge in publications that describe the development of ligands for this receptor have recently come to light, underscoring the emerging interest in this receptor as a drug target. We also explore the current status of structure–activity relationship studies that have focused on the design of novel antagonists for the serotonin 6 receptor.

Keywords::

• 5-HT₆ antagonist
• amyloid-β
• cholinesterase inhibitor
• dementia
• donepezil
• memantine
• nootropic

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.