Endogenous Tryptamines as Bioenergetic Regulators of the Binding Problem: The VESTA Framework
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) June 4, 2026 Artun Sina Bolukbasi
The brain's need for rapid energy during high-frequency neural oscillations (around 80 Hz) cannot be met by the standard Astrocyte-Neuron Lactate Shuttle or basal oxidative phosphorylation. The authors propose the VESTA framework, in which endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) acts as a bioenergetic regulator. By binding to Sigma-1 Receptors at the Mitochondria-Associated Membrane, DMT triggers a calcium-dependent release of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, producing the ATP surplus needed for sustained high-frequency binding. This mechanism bypasses slower glial energy systems, preventing metabolic collapse during intense neural activity, and offers a physical basis for the metabolic conditions required for phenomenal unity as described in Integrated Information Theory 4.0.