Knowra Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor The 5-HT2A receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor activated by serotonin. It influences neuronal signaling, perception, cognition, and neurotransmitter release.
G protein-coupled receptor : A membrane receptor that activates intracellular signaling by coupling to heterotrimeric G proteins. The 5-HT2A receptor belongs to this large receptor family.
Psilocybin : A psychedelic compound converted in the body to psilocin, which activates serotonin receptors including 5-HT2A. Its perceptual effects depend substantially on 5-HT2A activation.
Serotonin : A monoamine neurotransmitter and signaling molecule involved in mood, perception, sleep, and bodily functions. It is the endogenous ligand named in the receptor’s common name.
Serotonin 5-HT2C receptor : A serotonin-activated G protein-coupled receptor subtype involved in appetite, mood, and neural signaling. It is closely related to 5-HT2A but has distinct distribution and physiological roles.
Biased agonism : A phenomenon in which different agonists favor distinct signaling pathways through the same receptor. Researchers test whether pathway bias at 5-HT2A separates psychedelic effects from therapeutic ones.
Gq alpha subunit : A G-protein subunit that activates phospholipase C beta after receptor stimulation. 5-HT2A commonly signals through Gq-family proteins.
LSD : A potent psychedelic drug whose effects involve agonism at several serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A. Blocking 5-HT2A can markedly reduce LSD’s characteristic effects.
Serotonin receptor : A family of receptors that respond to serotonin and mediate its effects in the body and brain. 5-HT2A is one member of this receptor family.
Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor : A serotonin receptor subtype that typically couples to Gi/o proteins and can inhibit neuronal activity. Its signaling direction and drug effects differ from those commonly associated with 5-HT2A.
Psychedelic : A psychoactive substance that can produce profound changes in perception, cognition, and sense of self. The receptor is a major molecular target, but does not by itself explain the full psychedelic experience.
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