Hallucinogens induce a specific barcode of phosphorylation on the serotonin2A receptor that underlies a weaker receptor desensitization and internalization
Receptors & Clinical Investigation September 27, 2014 1 citation
The serotonin 2A receptor is a key target of psychedelic hallucinogens like LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin, which can mimic schizophrenia symptoms and are used to study the disorder. A paradox exists: some agonists with similar binding strength and activity, such as lisuride and ergotamine, lack hallucinogenic effects. A recent study showed that hallucinogenic agonists cause biased phosphorylation of the receptor, leading to weaker desensitization and internalization compared to non-hallucinogenic agonists, suggesting a mechanism for their distinct psychoactive effects.