Computational biology and chemistry
June 1, 2023
William Irvine, Marshall Tyler, Rupika Delgoda
11 citations
Psilocybin, the psychoactive alkaloid in Psilocybe mushrooms, is synthesized from L-tryptophan by four enzymes: PsiD, PsiH, PsiK, and PsiM. Because the pathway was only recently defined, structural data for these enzymes were lacking. This work generated homology models for all four Psilocybe cubensis enzymes, refined them with secondary structure prediction, energy minimization, and molecular dynamics simulations, then validated the models by docking their natural substrates. The models produced feasible binding modes for each biotransformation step. Additional docking simulations suggest that the PsiM model can also mediate conversions leading to aeruginascin, norpsilocin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, indicating plausible routes for these secondary metabolites. These structural models may aid development of novel substrates, selective inhibitors, and improved in vitro psilocybin production.
Journal of AOAC International
August 13, 2025
Kimberley Foster, Isaac Morrison, S. Daniel et al.
4 citations
Dried, cultivated Psilocybe cubensis fruiting bodies contained an average of 1.14% psilocybin and psilocin by weight, but batch-to-batch variability led to significant differences in projected dosage, especially for amounts of 3 grams or more. The homogenized biomass showed acceptable levels of microbial, mycotoxin, pesticidal, and heavy metal content, with no significant carcinogenic or other health hazards. Encapsulated biomass stably maintained tryptamine content for 11 months. Standardized, safe biomass suitable for human consumption can be achieved under stringent, aseptic conditions, but each batch should be tested for tryptamine content due to observed variability.
Fungal biology
February 1, 2024
Kimberley Foster, Isaac Morrison, Marshall Tyler et al.
3 citations
Adding a casing layer of peat moss and vermiculite to Psilocybe cubensis mushroom cultivation roughly quadruples biological efficiency (161.5% vs 40.5% without casing), though it slightly delays fruiting by about two days and reduces total tryptamine content to 0.85%. Combining casing with 5% gypsum supplementation yields the highest harvest (896.6 g per kg of dried substrate), a biological efficiency of 89.6%, and maintains high tryptamine levels (0.95%). These findings offer practical guidance for home and commercial growers aiming to maximize both yield and psychoactive compound production.