Molecular Biology • September 05, 2026
Synaptic Pruning and Dendritic Remodeling: Molecular Pathways of Lasting Adaptation
Psilocybin stimulates microglial micro-pruning and actin polymerization, selectively eliminating pathological synaptic pathways while strengthening healthy connections.
Actin Polymerization and Spine Head Expansion
Activation of Rho GTPases downstream of 5-HT2A receptors causes rapid polymerization of globular actin into filamentous actin, widening dendritic spine heads.
Elimination of Maladaptive Circuitry
Simultaneously, microglial cell processes prune away redundant or maladaptive dendritic branches, providing a clean slate for cognitive re-learning.