Molecular insights into the modulation of the 5HT2A receptor by serotonin, psilocin, and the G protein subunit Gqα.
FEBS letters – March 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals how psychedelics like psilocin interact with brain receptors at the molecular level. Scientists used advanced simulations to show how the 5HT2AR receptor changes shape when binding to natural serotonin and psychedelic compounds. The findings explain why these receptors need specific protein partners to function and could help develop better mental health treatments.
Abstract
5HT2AR is a G-protein-coupled receptor that drives many neuronal functions and is a target for psychedelic drugs. Understanding ligand interactions and conformational transitions is essential for developing effective pharmaceuticals, but mechanistic details of 5HT2AR activation remain poorly understood. We utilized all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations to investigate 5HT2AR's conformational dynamics upon binding to serotonin and psilocin. We show that the active state of 5HT2AR collapses to a closed state in the absence of Gqα, underscoring the importance of G-protein coupling. We discover an intermediate "partially-open" receptor conformation. Both ligands have higher binding affinities for the orthosteric than the extended binding pocket. These findings enhance our understanding of 5HT2AR's activation and may aid in developing novel therapeutics. Impact statement This study sheds light on 5HT2AR activation, revealing intermediate conformations and ligand dynamics. These insights could enhance drug development for neurological and psychiatric disorders, benefiting researchers and clinicians in pharmacology and neuroscience.