Structural pharmacology and therapeutic potential of 5-methoxytryptamines. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38720072/)

These scientists wanted to understand how certain substances found in nature, like the psychedelic compound 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), interact with a specific receptor in the brain called 5-HT(1A). This receptor is important for controlling behaviors and emotions in animals.

To do this, the scientists used a special technique called cryogenic electron microscopy to look at the structure of the 5-HT(1A) receptor. They also changed the chemical structure of 5-MeO-DMT and other similar compounds to see how it affected their interactions with the receptor. They then tested these compounds on mice to see how they behaved.

By studying how these compounds interact with the 5-HT(1A) receptor, the scientists were able to identify which parts of the molecules were important for their effects on behavior. They found that by making specific changes to the compounds, they could create versions that had positive effects on mood and anxiety in animals without causing hallucinations.

This research helps us better understand how these substances work in the brain and may lead to the development of new medications to help people with mental health disorders in the future.

Warren AL., Lankri D., Cunningham MJ., Serrano IC., Parise LF., Kruegel AC., Duggan P., Zilberg G., Capper MJ., Havel V., Russo SJ., Sames D., Wacker D. Structural pharmacology and therapeutic potential of 5-methoxytryptamines. Nature. 2024 May 8. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07403-2.