Abstract:

Psychedelics have recently seen a resurgence in scientific and clinical research. Recent results have demonstrated their potential clinical utility in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders. Despite these advances, the fundamental neurobiology underlying their therapeutic effects is not well understood. Classic psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT act primarily as 5-HT2A receptor agonists, and recent evidence has shown that this receptor may not only mediate their subjective neuropsychological effects, but could also be responsible for their clinical benefits.

Bio:

Dr. Javier González-Maeso obtained his B.S. and his PhD from the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao - Spain. Currently, he is a Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. His lab investigates the structure and function of G protein-coupled receptors, with a particular focus on the 5-HT2AR. Alongside his colleagues, Dr. González-Maeso works to unravel the molecular mechanisms of psychedelics and the signalling pathways responsible for their clinical effects. The overall goal of Dr. Maeso’s lab is to elucidate these clinically relevant mechanisms, and use that knowledge to develop new strategies to treat mental illnesses and addiction.