Fabrizio Ascone

2 papers in the library · 2 citations · publishing 2026

Papers

Psilocybin improves novel object recognition in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome through the modulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway

Neuropsychopharmacology February 13, 2026 Fabrizio Ascone, Valeria Buzzelli, Francesca Mottarlini et al. 2 citations

In a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), psilocybin microdosing rescued deficits in novel object recognition memory. This benefit persisted even when serotonin receptors (5HT2AR or 5HT1AR) were blocked, but was abolished by blocking the TrkB receptor, indicating that the effect depends on BDNF/TrkB signaling rather than classical serotonergic pathways. At the molecular level, psilocybin normalized mature BDNF, increased TrkB, and restored downstream AKT signaling in the prefrontal cortex—pathways linked to synaptic plasticity and cognition. These results suggest psilocybin microdosing could be a promising therapeutic strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders like FXS and autism spectrum disorder, potentially dissociating therapeutic benefits from hallucinogenic effects.

DOI: 10.1038/s41386-026-02361-x Full text Serotonergic Psilocybin Synaptic plasticity Neuroplasticity +7

Classic psychedelics and autism spectrum disorder: preclinical evidence, mechanistic insights and unresolved challenges.

Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews August 1, 2026 Fabrizio Ascone, Diletta Giangiacomo, Viviana Trezza

A review of preclinical studies finds that classic psychedelics affect behavioral domains overlapping with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, anxiety-like traits, and cognitive function. The neurobiological mechanisms involve serotonergic signaling, glutamatergic neurotransmission, neuroinflammatory processes, BDNF/TrkB pathways, and oxytocinergic and dopaminergic modulation. Mechanistic convergence with neurobiological alterations implicated in ASD is identified, but significant gaps constrain interpretation, including a scarcity of studies in established animal models of ASD, reliance on simplified behavioral assays, and uncertainty about how ASD-specific circuit alterations may influence responses to psychedelics.

DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106761 Full text Synaptic plasticity 5-ht2a signaling Autism spectrum disorder Classic psychedelics +2