News Chemistry

LSD’s grip on brain protein could explain drug’s long-lasting effects

Molecular modeling called ‘first snapshot of LSD in action’

LSD in brain protein

HALLUCINOGEN HIDEAWAY  A protein that senses serotonin in the brain traps LSD (pink) inside a pocket and forms a lid (dark purple) over the opening. The lid moves aside occasionally (right), allowing LSD to escape.

D. Wacker et al/Cell 2017

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

Locked inside a human brain protein, the hallucinogenic drug LSD takes an extra-long trip.