How serotonin receptor pairs work in the brain
Function of GPCR heteromeric complexes in brain
Finding out how combinations of serotonin receptors in the brain change signaling and responses to psychedelic compounds to help guide safer psychiatric treatments for people with mood and perception disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how class A G protein-coupled receptors, especially serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors, form heteromeric complexes using cellular assays and biochemical methods. They will test these receptor combinations in animal models and use imaging, signaling measurements, and behavioral tests to see how the complexes alter responses to psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD. The team aims to identify receptor pairings that produce therapeutic effects while minimizing hallucinogenic or undesirable signaling. Findings could point to specific receptor targets for developing safer psychiatric medicines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or other serotonin-linked mood or perception disorders would be the likely candidates for therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: People with conditions not related to serotonin signaling, such as purely structural neurological injuries or non-psychiatric chronic diseases, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that capture the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics with fewer hallucinations and improved safety.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical trials of psychedelic compounds have shown promising results for depression and PTSD, but specifically targeting receptor heteromers remains largely experimental and preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Maeso, Javier — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Maeso, Javier
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.