Story perspectives

Fungi Evolve Unique Paths to Psilocybin Production

9/25/2025

Summary

Fungi Evolve Psilocybin

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena found that Psilocybe and Inocybe evolved enzymatic pathways to produce psilocybin, showing convergent evolution.
The enzymes operate in reverse order across the two fungi, indicating distinct biosynthetic routes to the same molecule.
Led by Prof. Dirk Hoffmeister and Tim Schäfer, the study highlights biotechnological psilocybin production and was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Summary

Mushrooms Defend with Psilocybin

Researchers propose that injury-induced blue coloration in Psilocybe mushrooms acts as a chemical defense against threats.
Psilocybin converts to psilocin in the body, impacts serotonin receptors and alters perception.
Prof. Dirk Hoffmeister highlights psilocybin's potential beyond psychedelics, including promise for therapy-resistant depression.
The study emphasizes fungi's ecological significance and their biochemical interactions, broadening roles in ecosystems.

1 of 2

Fungi Evolve Psilocybin

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena found that Psilocybe and Inocybe evolved enzymatic pathways to produce psilocybin, showing convergent evolution.
The enzymes operate in reverse order across the two fungi, indicating distinct biosynthetic routes to the same molecule.
Led by Prof. Dirk Hoffmeister and Tim Schäfer, the study highlights biotechnological psilocybin production and was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

1 / 2