Structural Pharmacology of Bufotenine Derivatives in Activating the 5-HT 1A Receptor for Therapeutic Potential in Depression and Anxiety

Bufotenine derivatives from traditional Chinese medicine, including 5-MeO-DMT and 5-OH-DMT, show promise as antidepressants and anxiolytics with reduced hallucinogenic effects. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed how these compounds bind to the 5-HT1A receptor, a key target for depression and anxiety treatment, while avoiding strong activation of the 5-HT2A receptor linked to hallucinations. Behavioral tests in mice confirmed that 5-OH-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT retain strong antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects. The distinct binding conformation of 5-OH-DMT correlates with its pharmacological profile. These findings provide a molecular basis for developing nonhallucinogenic drugs targeting the 5-HT1A receptor.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The 5-HT 1A receptor is a critical target in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Bufotenine derivatives, such as 5-methoxy- N , N -dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), 5-hydroxy- N , N -dimethyltryptamine (5-OH-DMT), and 5-hydroxy- N , N , N -dimethyltryptamine—derived from traditional Chinese medicine—have shown antidepressant potential. However, the structural basis of their interaction with 5-HT 1A and their pharmacological profiles remain incompletely understood. This study investigated bufotenine derivatives acting on multiple serotonin receptors, highlighting 5-HT 1A as a key mediator of antidepressant effects while recognizing 5-HT 2A as primarily responsible for hallucinogenic outcomes, to identify candidates with therapeutic efficacy but reduced hallucinogenic liability. We determined the cryo-electron microscopy structures of 5-HT 1A bound to selected bufotenine derivatives. Functional assays in mice, including behavioral tests and receptor activation studies, were used to evaluate the antidepressant of each compound. Structural analysis revealed that all bufotenine derivatives engage conserved motifs within the 5-HT 1A binding pocket, with 5-OH-DMT displaying a distinct interaction pattern. Behavioral assays showed that 5-OH-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT retained strong antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. These pharmacological differences correlate with their unique receptor binding conformation. This study delineated the structural pharmacology of bufotenine derivatives at the 5-HT 1A receptor, identifying 5-OH-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT as promising antidepressant and anxiolytic candidates. The findings establish a molecular framework for the development of next-generation nonhallucinogenic therapeutics aimed at 5-HT 1A .