loading page

Chemistry/structural biology of psychedelic drugs and their receptor(s)
  • Ryan Gumpper,
  • David Nichols
Ryan Gumpper
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Author Profile
David Nichols
Unviersity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Corresponding Author:denichol@email.unc.edu

Author Profile

Abstract

This brief review highlights some of the structure-activity relationships of classic serotonergic psychedelics. In particular, we discuss structural features of three chemotypes: phenethylamines, ergolines, and certain tryptamines, which possess psychedelic activity in humans. Where it is known, we point out the underlying molecular mechanisms utilized by each of the three chemotypes of psychedelic molecules. With a focus on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor subtype, a G-protein coupled receptor known to be the primary target of psychedelics, we reference several x-ray and cryoEM structures with various ligands bound to illustrate the underlying atomistic basis for some of the known pharmacological observations of psychedelic drug actions.
06 Jun 2024Submitted to British Journal of Pharmacology
10 Jun 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
08 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
30 Jul 20241st Revision Received
03 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
03 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
07 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Accept