People respond differently to psychedelic drugs genetics could be the reason

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Recently, there’s been renewed interest and research in using psychedelic compounds that stimulate serotonin receptors in the brain because of several promising results from clinical trials. These receptors bind serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and other similar amine-containing molecules, helping regulate people’s mood, perceptions, cognition and emotions, as well as their appetite.

In particular, the serotonin receptor known as 5-HT2A is responsible for mediating the effects of psychedelic drugs. However, there are several naturally occurring, random genetic variations, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms, that can impact the 5-HT2A receptor’s structure and function. So, Bryan Roth and colleagues wanted to explore how variations in the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor impact the in vitro activity of four psychedelic therapies.

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