Molecular Insight into the Interaction between Different Classes of Psychoplastogens and Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor
International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) April 3, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.21275/sr25326042052 via OpenAlex
Summary
A novel classification of psychoplastogens, a new class of fast-acting antidepressants, was developed based on structural models. The study conducted docking experiments to evaluate the binding energy of various psychoplastogens to the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, revealing a correlation between their hallucinogenic effects and receptor affinity. This work aims to enhance understanding of psychoplastogen binding patterns in the human brain and inform future research and clinical studies.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The study identified a correlation between the hallucinogenic effect of certain psychoplastogens and their affinity to the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. |
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Abstract
Medical treatment for behavioral disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represent emerging challenges in the field and have been a subject of studies for a long time. Available therapeutics include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclics, etc. Nevertheless, recent studies have identified a revolutionary new class of fast-acting antidepressants called psychoplastogens, which, unlike other conventional antidepressants, promote significant and long-lasting changes in neural plasticity during a single administration. In this study, we developed a novel classification of psychoplastogens based on their structural models. Moreover, we performed docking experiments to determine the binding energy of various classes of psychoplastogens to the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. As a result, we identified a correlation between the hallucinogenic effect of some psychoplastogens we used in our docking study and their affinity to the 5-HT2A receptor. We then attempted to predict the patterns of binding affinities of newly generated psychoplastogens, which were validated using our methodology. It is expected that this study will provide insight into the future of in vitro research as well as potential clinical studies regarding psychoplastogens and provide a firm basis for the binding patterns related to these drugs in the human brain.