Genetic and pharmacological studies provided evidence that serotonin (5-HT) is an important signaling molecule for the development and the maintenance of mineralized tissues. However, how 5-HT takes part to the homeostasis of teeth and bone remains elusive. In the dental field, a major breakthrough comes from the identification of 5-HT but also dopamine (DA) as "damage" signals necessary for stem cell-based tooth repair. Pulpal stem cells express the overall functions of 5-HT and DA neurons including a definite set of functional 5-HT/DA receptors that render cells responsive for circulating bioamines. Upon tooth injury, activated platelets release bulks of 5-HT/DA that mobilize pulpal stem cells for natural dental repair. The contribution of 5-HT to bone metabolism is more documented with description of both anabolic and resorptive effects. By controlling the tissue-non specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), 5-HT_2B receptors exert an anabolic function and a pivotal role in mineralization processes. Increasing our understanding of the role of 5-HT receptors in bone metabolism may pave the road for the development of therapeutic strategies towards skeletal-associated pathologies and ectopic calcification.

遗传和药理研究提供了证据，表明5-羟色胺（5-HT）是矿化组织发育和维持的重要信号分子。但是，5-HT如何参与牙齿和骨骼的动态平衡仍不清楚。在牙科领域，一项重大突破来自于鉴定5-HT以及多巴胺（DA）作为基于干细胞的牙齿修复所必需的“损伤”信号。髓干细胞表达5-HT和DA神经元的整体功能，包括确定的一组功能性5-HT / DA受体，这些受体使细胞对循环的生物胺有反应。牙齿受伤后，活化的血小板释放出大量的5-HT / DA，从而动员牙髓干细胞进行天然牙齿修复。5-HT对骨骼代谢的贡献在同化和吸收作用的描述中均有记载。通过控制组织非特异性碱性磷酸酶（TNAP）5-HT_2B受体在矿化过程中发挥合成代谢功能和关键作用。我们对5-HT受体在骨代谢中作用的认识的增加，可能为骨骼相关病理和异位钙化的治疗策略的发展铺平道路。