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Joseph Tafur

4 papers in the library · 39 citations · publishing 2023-2026

Papers

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Brain-targeted epigenetic effects of two emerging psychoplastogens: ketamine & MDMA

Translational Psychiatry July 11, 2026 Moira G. Semple, Sarah E. Mennenga, Ryan Smith et al.

Psychoplastogen compounds such as ketamine and MDMA have shown therapeutic promise for mood and trauma-related disorders, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects remain poorly understood. Here, we applied a Brain-Epigenome-Wide Association Study (BEWAS) targeting brain-relevant genes to examine DNA methylation changes following treatment. Pre- and post-treatment blood (ketamine, N...

Brain-epigenome wide association study (BEWAS) on the effects of two emerging psychedelics: ketamine & MDMA

bioRxiv Preprint Server July 3, 2025 Moira G. Semple, Sarah E. Mennenga, Ryan Smith et al. 1 citation preprint

Psychedelic compounds such as ketamine and MDMA have shown therapeutic promise for mood and trauma-related disorders, yet their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study applied a Brain-Epigenome-Wide Association Study (BEWAS) to assess DNA methylation changes in brain-enriched genes following treatment. Pre- and post-treatment blood (ketamine, N = 20) and saliva (MDMA, N = 16) samples...

Traditional and Indigenous Perspectives on Healing Trauma With Psychedelic Plant Medicines

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction April 1, 2024 Christine Diindiisi Mccleave, Susan Beaulieu, Rainbow Lopez et al. 9 citations

This article reflects the commentary of Indigenous experts, students, and practitioners from North America. Topics discussed include the historical context of colonialism and the Psychedelic Renaissance, duality of Spirit and science, the challenges of being an Indigenous person in psychedelic spaces, and the role of culture in healing trauma. The authors expand upon topics such as the harms...

Pilot study suggests DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) is associated with MDMA-assisted therapy treatment response for severe PTSD

Frontiers in Psychiatry February 6, 2023 Candace R. Lewis, Joseph Tafur, Sophie Spencer et al. 29 citations

BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that epigenetic changes in specific hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) genes may predict successful psychotherapy in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A recent Phase 3 clinical trial reported high efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for treating patients with severe PTSD compared to a therapy with placebo...