BIBLIO

A role for the serotonin 2A receptor in the expansion and functioning of human transmodal cortex

"Integrating independent but converging lines of research on brain function and neurodevelopment across scales, this article proposes that serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) signalling is an evolutionary and developmental driver and potent modulator of the macroscale functional organization of the human cerebral cortex. A wealth of evidence indicates that the anatomical and functional organization of the cortex follows a unimodal-to-transmodal gradient. Situated at the apex of this processing hierarchy—where it plays a central role in the integrative processes underpinning complex, human-defining cognition—the transmodal cortex has disproportionately expanded across human development and evolution. Notably, the adult human transmodal cortex is especially rich in 5-HT2AR expression and recent evidence suggests that, during early brain development, 5-HT2AR signaling on neural progenitor cells stimulates their proliferation—a critical process for evolutionarily-relevant cortical expansion."

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Basically what I think they are arguing here is that the Serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is a major part in the rapid expansion of the human cerebral cortex. And what works on these seemingly vital receptors? You guessed it, psychedelics. With the sacred mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe being the most accessible psychedelic in paleolithic times it's a fair assessment that mushrooms were part of the stimulus in the increased signaling that helped the growth of our brains.

Oxford Academic

Patterns

Like other cells, fungal hyphae show exquisite sensitivity to their environment. This reactiveness is demonstrated at many levels, from changes in the form of the hypha resulting from alterations in patterns of exocytosis, to membrane excitation, and mechanisms of wound repair. Growing hyphae detect ridges on surfaces and respond to restrictions in their physical space. These are expressions of cellular consciousness. 

Decision making

Fungal mycelia show decision-making and alter their developmental patterns in response to interactions with other organisms. Mycelia may even be capable of spatial recognition and learning coupled with a facility for short-term memory. Now is a fruitful time to recognize the study of fungal ethology as a distinctive discipline within mycology.

Stigma

The stigma toward psychedelic medicines is dissolving, but can they truly transform our world for the better? The short answer is… No, not by themselves. Psychedelics are not a silver bullet, and ayahuasca miracles are not guaranteed. The deeper, and more relevant inquiry, however, is: “What can we do to foster safe and responsible use of these powerful consciousness-expanding tools so that we can heal and create a culture and society that is less traumatizing and more inclusive?”

Can they help us become better humans?

How can we develop psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy and integration services so that they are affordable, inclusive, and performed by qualified and good practitioners?

How can we empower reciprocity toward indigenous wisdom-keeping communities, ensure that their cultures benefit from the globalization of their ancestral medicines, and that their voices are heard in the Psychedelic Renaissance?

How can we manage novel concerns in psychedelic healing such as the emergence of online facilitation, the privatization of clinical treatments, and the encroaching monopolization of legal psychedelic therapy?