Lasting effect of psilocybin on sociability can be blocked by DNA methyltransferase inhibition
Chenchen Song, Tinya Chang, Tobias Buchborn, Thomas Knöpfel
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) March 11, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.10.642385 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA single dose of the psychedelic psilocybin lastingly improves social behavior in a mouse model of autism (Cntnap2-knockout mice). This effect is blocked by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase I, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism involving DNA methylation underlies psilocybin's long-term influence on social function.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Preclinical experimental study |
|---|---|
| Population | Cntnap2-knockout mouse model of autism |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Dose | single systemic administration |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Neuroscience Dna methyltransferase Psychology Chemistry |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | A single systemic administration of psilocybin durably promotes social behavior in Cntnap2-knockout mice, an effect blocked by DNA methyltransferase I inhibition. |
Abstract
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.