Lasting effect of psilocybin on sociability can be blocked by DNA methyltransferase inhibition
bioRxiv – March 10, 2025
Source: medRxiv/bioRxiv/arXiv
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin can significantly enhance social behavior in a mouse model of autism, showcasing its potential therapeutic effects. This improvement is linked to changes in gene expression, as blocking certain enzymes can prevent these benefits, highlighting a fascinating epigenetic mechanism at work.
Abstract
The recent renaissance in research on psychedelics such as psilocybin has highlighted their therapeutic potential including their lasting influences on brain function. Here we report that a single systemic administration of the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin can durably promote social behaviour in the Cntnap2-knockout mouse model of autism. This effect can be blocked by pharmacological inhibition of DNA methyltransferase I, indicating an epigenetic mechanism underlying the long-lasting effect of psilocybin.