Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, is gaining attention for its rapid and sustained therapeutic effects in depression and other hard-to-treat neuropsychiatric conditions, potentially through its capacity to enhance neuronal plasticity. While its neuroplastic and therapeutic effects are commonly attributed to serotonin 2A (5-HT 2A ) receptor activation, emerging evidence reveals a more nuanced pharmacological profile involving multiple serotonin receptor subtypes and nonserotonergic targets such as TrkB. This review integrates current findings on the molecular interactome of psilocin (psilocybin active metabolite), emphasizing receptor selectivity, biased agonism, and intracellular receptor localization. Together, these insights offer a refined framework for understanding psilocybin's enduring effects and guiding the development of next-generation neuroplastogens with improved specificity and safety.
Authors: Sonia Sonda, Diana Pendin, Stefano Comai, Sara De Martin, Paolo Manfredi, Andrea Mattarei
Institutions: University of Padua, National Research Council, McGill University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $7,030
OpenAlex ID: W4414267802