Mechanistic insights into LSD actions at 5-HT2A serotonin receptors

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R37 · $650,756 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Psychedelic drugs continue to be used and abused by large numbers of individuals within the US and recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the actions of psychedelic drugs like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). It is currently unknown how LSD and related psychedelic drugs exert their actions at the molecular and atomic levels. In this MERIT extension we will elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which LSD and related drugs interact with multiple G protein coupled receptors. We will also determine the potential relevance of differences between human and rodent receptors for the actions of LSD and related drugs in vitro and in vivo. Finally we will examine the effects of LSD and related drugs on the gene transcriptional changes which occur specifically in neurons which express receptor essential for the actions of LSD. Taken together, these new findings will provide molecular and atomic details regading the actions of psychedelic drugs in vitro and in vivo.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10799673
Project number
5R37DA045657-07
Recipient
UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
Principal Investigator
Bryan L. Roth
Activity code
R37
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2024
Award amount
$650,756
Award type
5
Project period
2023-03-01 → 2028-02-29