Single-nucleus transcriptomics reveals time-dependent and cell-type-specific effects of psilocybin on gene expression
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) January 4, 2025 Clara Liao, Ethan O'Farrell, Yaman Qalieh et al. 3 citations preprint
A single dose of psilocybin triggers time-dependent and cell-type-specific changes in gene expression in the medial frontal cortex of mice. Excitatory neurons showed altered genes involved in synaptic plasticity, while GABAergic neurons showed changes in genes related to mitochondrial function and metabolism. These transcriptional responses occurred in an early phase at 1-2 hours and a late phase at 72 hours after administration. Ketamine produced similar transcriptional changes. These findings suggest that psilocybin's long-term neural and behavioral effects may stem from lasting alterations in gene expression.