Molecular and structural insights into the 5‐HT2C receptor as a therapeutic target for substance use disorders
Maleesha Ubhayarathna, Christopher J. Langmead, Natalie Diepenhorst, Gregory D. Stewart
British Journal of Pharmacology September 8, 2023 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16233 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Serotonin Addiction |
| Keywords | Context archaeology 5-ht2c receptor Functional selectivity 5-HT Receptor Substance abuse Psychotherapist G protein-coupled receptor |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key findings | The serotonin 2C receptor is a promising target for treating substance use disorder, supported by structural, molecular, and cellular evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. |
Abstract
Abstract Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition, with maintained abuse of a substance leading to physiological and psychological alterations and often changes in cognitive and social behaviours. Current therapies include psychotherapy coupled with medication; however, high relapse rates reveal the shortcomings of these therapies. The signalling, expression profile, and neurological function of the serotonin 2C receptor (5‐HT 2C receptor) make it a candidate of interest for the treatment of SUD. Recently, psychedelics, which broadly act at 5‐HT 2 receptors, have indicated potential for the treatment of SUD, implicating the 5‐HT 2C receptor. The modern psychedelic movement has rekindled interest in the 5‐HT 2C receptor, resulting in many new studies, especially structural analyses. This review explores the structural, molecular and cellular mechanisms governing 5‐HT 2C receptor function in the context of SUD. This provides the basis of the preclinical and clinical evidence for their role in SUD and highlights the potential for future exploration.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Mindfulness meditation–based pain relief: a mechanistic account | 2016 | Review | |
| Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents Animal models and cellular studies | 2018 | Review | |
| A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. | 2013 | Review | |
| The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics Biology October 28, 2023
- Significant Psychedelic Experiences Evaluated for Mystical Characteristics Associated with Cannabis Use Reduction and Psychological Flexibility Improvement: A Naturalistic Cross-Sectional Retrospective Survey. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs July 3, 2024
Cites 27
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
- Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse July 21, 2016
- Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder JAMA Psychiatry August 24, 2022
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcoholism: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Journal of Psychopharmacology March 8, 2012
and 22 more in the library