Welcome to the Nichols Lab Web Page
We study serotonin and serotonin receptor pharmacology with a focus on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. Ongoing projects involve studying:
- Classic GPCR receptor pharmacology and signal transduction
- The role of the 5-HT2A receptor in CNS function and behaviors in mammalian systems
- The role of 5-HT2A receptors in anti-inflammatory processes
- Drug development of 5-HT2A receptor agonists for therapeutic use to treat inflammatory disorders
- The development and utilization of Drosophila melanogaster as a translational model to study serotonin neuropharmacology
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors
5-HT2A receptors are the most widely expressed serotonin receptor, and found in nearly every cell type and tissue. In the brain they mediate fundamental cognitive processes and are the primary target through which psychedelic drugs exert their behavioral effects. In the periphery, we have discovered that psychedelic drugs have potent anti-inflammatory effects through activation of 5-HT2A receptors.