Genetic Differences in Serotonin Receptors Change How Psychedelic Drugs Work

Seven genetic variations in the 5-HT2A receptor are associated with modest effects on the efficacy and potency of four commonly used psychedelic drugs.

• The study focused on non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5-HT2A receptor gene.
• Specific variants included Ser12Asn, Thr25Asn, Asp48Asn, Ile197Val, Ala230Thr, Ala447Val, and His452Tyr.
• These genetic variations exert statistically significant effects on the way psychedelic drugs interact with the receptor.
• The effects observed are drug specific, indicating that different psychedelics may be influenced differently by these genetic variations.

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