Scientists are using cutting-edge genetic techniques to discover what made mushrooms become magic. Compounds found in so-called magic mushrooms are recognised for their potential to treat mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, compulsive disorders and addiction.
But little is known about how and why such compounds evolved. Scientists at the University of Plymouth are using advanced genetic methods and behavioural experiments to investigate previously untested hypotheses into the origins of psychedelic compounds in fungi.
Scientists will look into whether the compounds were evolved as a defence mechanism, or if fungi produce them to be able to manipulate the behaviour of insects. Dr Jon Ellis, lecturer in conservation genetics at the University of Plymouth, said: “In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic compounds from a human health perspective.
“However, almost nothing is known about the evolution of these compounds in nature and why fungi should contain neurotransmitter-like compounds is unresolved. The hypotheses that have been suggested for their evolution have never been formally tested, and that is what makes our project so ambitious and novel.
“It could also in future lead to exciting future discoveries, as the development of novel compounds that could be used as fungicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and antibiotics is likely to arise from ‘blue-sky’ research investigating fungal defence.”
Experiments into the use of psychedelics as therapeutics to treat metal illnesses began as far back as the 1940s. But subsequent changes in the law made such testing impossible for a long time.
“More recently, people have returned to that initial research and found that compounds such as psilocybin can have psychotherapeutic benefits," Dr Ellis said. “However, that has not addressed their evolution in nature, which is what makes the research we are doing so exciting."
The project will particularly focus on psilocybin, commonly found in so-called magic mushrooms and chemically similar to serotonin. Researchers will examine psychedelic and non-psychedelic fungi and use DNA sequencing to test whether there is a diverse animal community feeding on psychedelic fungi.
They are using laboratory tests to investigate interactions between fungi and insects, and whether the fungi undergo genetic changes during attack and development. Dr Ellis said: "I hope our project can change the public perception of magic mushrooms."
