Cross-species mapping of psychedelic gene expression reveals links to the 5HT2A receptor, cortical layers, and human accelerated regions
Patrick McConnell, Jackson Raffety, Andrew Li, Eric Steinberg, Syed Rahim, Christian Valtierra, Adam Gazzaley, Robin Carhart-Harris, Lorenzo Pasquini
Research Square October 3, 2025 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7625999/v1
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsychedelic compounds alter gene expression in the brain, and this study maps those changes across species. The gene activity patterns linked to psychedelic action are associated with the 5HT2A receptor, specific cortical layers of the brain, and human accelerated regions—genetic sequences that evolved rapidly in humans and are thought to be important for brain evolution. These findings suggest that psychedelic-induced gene expression may tap into evolutionarily recent and layer-specific brain circuitry.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-species mapping study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Compounds Psychedelic action Gene expression Genes |
| Key finding | Psychedelic gene expression patterns are associated with the 5HT2A receptor, cortical layers, and human accelerated regions. |
Abstract
Cross-species mapping of psychedelic gene expression reveals links to the 5HT2A receptor, cortical layers, and human accelerated regions