In this podcast episode by Mind & Matter Podcast, Dr. Ryan Gumper, a postdoc researcher at the University of North Carolina, discusses the biochemistry and molecular biology of serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which is the “psychedelic receptor” in the brain.
He explains that these receptors interact with tryptamine psychedelics, such as LSD or DMT, to trigger signaling pathways and effects within the cell. The research in Brian Roth’s lab aims to develop new drugs with therapeutic benefits that don’t possess psychedelic effects or bind to a more specific receptor to avoid the notorious “multi-target” effect seen in traditional psychedelics. Gumper covers the evolution and chemical structure of serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor, and how serotonin binds to this receptor, leading to the activation of proteins on the inside of the cell and resulting calcium release, crucial for neurons. He also explores novel drug design and the complex interactions between psychedelic compounds and their receptors, highlighting the ongoing research in the field.
