Understanding how LSD affects serotonin receptors in the brain
Official title: Mechanistic insights into LSD actions at 5-HT2A serotonin receptors
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11036392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how LSD and similar psychedelic drugs work in the brain by exploring their effects on serotonin receptors, which could help us understand how these substances might impact mental health and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,756 |
| NIH project number | 5R37DA045657-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety or other mental health issues who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any mental health conditions or those who are not interested in psychedelic treatments may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which LSD and similar psychedelic drugs interact with serotonin receptors in the brain. By studying both human and rodent receptors, the research aims to uncover how these substances influence gene transcription in neurons. The approach includes in vitro and in vivo experiments to provide detailed insights into the actions of these drugs at the molecular level. This could lead to a better understanding of the effects of psychedelics on mental health and behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety and other mental health conditions by leveraging the effects of psychedelics.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, indicating that this approach is building on a growing body of evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roth, Bryan L. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Roth, Bryan L.
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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.