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Serotonin

All articles tagged with #serotonin

Gut microbes could be quietly steering what you crave
health7 hours ago

Gut microbes could be quietly steering what you crave

New evidence suggests gut bacteria may influence what we crave. In mice, transferring different microbiomes altered protein vs. carbohydrate preferences, likely via serotonin production linked to tryptophan levels. A 2025 Nature Microbiology study also ties a gut bacterium to reduced sugar cravings through a GLP-1 pathway. Experts caution that human eating is shaped by culture and other factors, so more research is needed to confirm similar effects in people.

via Live Science|
#bidirectional-feedback#brain-gut-axis#cravings
Parasites spark a two-step gut–brain chat between epithelial cells to curb appetite
science16 days ago

Parasites spark a two-step gut–brain chat between epithelial cells to curb appetite

New research reveals a two-phase, paracrine dialogue between gut tuft cells and serotonergic enterochromaffin (EC) cells that links parasite detection to brain signaling and feeding behavior. Tuft cells release acetylcholine (ACh) in an acute, parasite-triggered fashion and also a constitutive leak during type 2 inflammation; both modes can activate EC cells, but only sustained ACh release raises serotonin enough to stimulate vagal afferents and suppress food intake. This epithelial crosstalk couples type 2 immune responses with sensory signaling to drive gut–brain communication and protective behaviors during parasitic infections, explaining progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic disease.

via Nature|
#acetylcholine#enterochromaffin-cells#gut-brain-axis
Magic mushrooms' effects may hinge on a multi-compound entourage, not just psilocybin
psychopharmacology26 days ago

Magic mushrooms' effects may hinge on a multi-compound entourage, not just psilocybin

A Scientific Reports study using computational modeling suggests eight bioactive compounds in psilocybin-producing mushrooms may interact with brain targets and produce effects via an entourage effect, with some compounds potentially binding serotonin receptors even more strongly than psilocybin and beta-carbolines inhibiting monoamine oxidase A to prolong serotonin signaling; results are theoretical and based on simulations, and experimental work including cerebral organoids is planned to validate them.

via PsyPost|
#entourage-effect#monoamine-oxidase-a#psilocybin
Psilocin variants promise depression relief without psychedelic trip
science1 month ago

Psilocin variants promise depression relief without psychedelic trip

Scientists engineered five psilocin derivatives designed to activate serotonin receptors and release psilocin more slowly, aiming to reduce psychedelic side effects. In mouse studies, the lead compound 4e crossed the blood-brain barrier and produced a lower, longer-lasting brain psilocin level with significantly fewer psychedelic-like head twitches compared with psilocybin, suggesting the possibility of safer, psychedelic-inspired antidepressants. More research is needed to assess safety and effectiveness in people.

via ScienceDaily|
#brain#depression#psilocin
Sleep deprivation triggers brain–gut signals that damage gut stem cells
health1 month ago

Sleep deprivation triggers brain–gut signals that damage gut stem cells

New research in Cell Stem Cell shows sleep deprivation in mice activates a brain-to-gut signaling cascade via the vagus nerve, triggering a surge of serotonin in the gut that damages intestinal stem cells and impairs the gut’s regenerative capacity. The study links insomnia to gut dysfunction and suggests acetylcholine from the vagus nerve drives serotonin release, highlighting potential therapeutic targets to protect gut health in sleep-disordered individuals.

via Live Science|
#gut-stem-cells#health#inflammatory-bowel-disease
Light-Activated Amino Acids Yield Psychedelic-Style Brain Drugs Without Hallucinations
neuroscience2 months ago

Light-Activated Amino Acids Yield Psychedelic-Style Brain Drugs Without Hallucinations

UC Davis researchers developed a light-driven method that combines amino acids with tryptamine and, after UV exposure, reshapes them into new molecules that activate the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and may offer psychedelic-like brain benefits without altering perception. In mice, the leading compound fully activated 5-HT2A but did not induce hallucinogenic behaviors (head-twitch responses), leading researchers to pursue further studies on how other serotonin receptors might modulate or suppress perceptual effects.

via SciTechDaily|
#5-ht2a-receptor#drug-discovery#neuroscience
Scientists Reveal Serotonin's Potential Role in Cancer
health5 months ago

Scientists Reveal Serotonin's Potential Role in Cancer

Recent research reveals that serotonin, beyond its role in mood regulation, may influence cancer development by interacting with DNA and activating cancer-related genes. Scientists are exploring targeted epigenetic therapies and ways to modulate serotonin levels, such as using SSRIs, to potentially improve cancer treatment outcomes. Understanding serotonin's diverse functions could lead to more precise therapies in the future.

via The Conversation|
#cancer#dna-interaction#epigenetic-therapy
Beyond Serotonin: The Comprehensive Brain Engagement of Psychedelics
science8 months ago

Beyond Serotonin: The Comprehensive Brain Engagement of Psychedelics

A new study reveals that psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline interact with a wide range of neural receptors beyond just serotonin, engaging multiple pathways that may explain their complex effects and therapeutic potential. These compounds activate numerous serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic receptors, stimulating diverse intracellular signaling pathways, which could allow for the development of targeted, non-hallucinogenic therapies for mental health conditions. The findings highlight the intricate pharmacology of psychedelics and their potential for precision medicine in neuropsychiatry.

via Neuroscience News|
#brain#psychedelics#receptors