Largest diversity study of 'magic mushrooms' traces how psilocybin-producing gene clusters evolved across Psilocybe species

Psilocybin in “magic mushrooms” was mapped to the evolutionary history of the Psilocybe genus using large-scale genomic sampling. Researchers analyzed DNA from 52 Psilocybe specimens, including 39 species never sequenced before, and found Psilocybe originated about 65 million years ago. Their results indicate psilocybin was first synthesized within Psilocybe, with two distinct gene cluster orders tied to an ancient split in the genus. The study also highlights multiple lines of evolutionary change, including possible horizontal gene transfers to other mushrooms. By placing psilocybin biosynthesis in deep time, the work aims to guide future biotechnology and therapeutic development that depends on understanding where psilocybin-producing genetics come from and how they vary.