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Wang J, Wang D, Huang M, Sun B, Ren F, Wu J, Zhang J, Li H, Sun X. Decoding Molecular Mechanism Underlying Human Olfactory Receptor OR8D1 Activation by Sotolone Enantiomers. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:5403-5415. [PMID: 38386648 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Sotolone, a chiral compound, plays an important role in the food industry. Herein, (R)-/(S)-sotolone were separated to determine their odor characteristics and thresholds in air (R-form: smoky, burned, herb, and green aroma, 0.0514 μg/m3; S-form: sweet, milk, acid, and nutty aroma, 0.0048 μg/m3). OR8D1 responses to (R)-/(S)-sotolone were detected in a HEK293 cell-based luminescence assay. (S)-Sotolone was a more potent agonist than (R)-sotolone (EC50 values of 84.98 ± 1.05 and 167.20 ± 0.25 μmol/L, respectively). Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area analyses confirmed that the combination of (S)-sotolone and OR8D1 was more stable than that of (R)-sotolone. Odorant docking, multiple sequence alignments, site-directed mutagenesis, and functional studies with recombinant odorant receptors (ORs) in a cell-based luminescence assay identified 11 amino-acid residues that influence the enantioselectivity of OR8D1 toward sotolone significantly and that N2065.46 was indispensable to the activation of OR8D1 by (S)-sotolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Danqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Mingquan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Baoguo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fazheng Ren
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jihong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Hehe Li
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaotao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
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de March CA, Ma N, Billesbølle CB, Tewari J, del Torrent CL, van der Velden WJC, Ojiro I, Takayama I, Faust B, Li L, Vaidehi N, Manglik A, Matsunami H. Engineered odorant receptors illuminate structural principles of odor discrimination. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.16.567230. [PMID: 38014344 PMCID: PMC10680712 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.16.567230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
A central challenge in olfaction is understanding how the olfactory system detects and distinguishes odorants with diverse physicochemical properties and molecular configurations. Vertebrate animals perceive odors via G protein-coupled odorant receptors (ORs). In humans, ~400 ORs enable the sense of smell. The OR family is composed of two major classes: Class I ORs are tuned to carboxylic acids while Class II ORs, representing the vast majority of the human repertoire, respond to a wide variety of odorants. How ORs recognize chemically diverse odorants remains poorly understood. A fundamental bottleneck is the inability to visualize odorant binding to ORs. Here, we uncover fundamental molecular properties of odorant-OR interactions by employing engineered ORs crafted using a consensus protein design strategy. Because such consensus ORs (consORs) are derived from the 17 major subfamilies of human ORs, they provide a template for modeling individual native ORs with high sequence and structural homology. The biochemical tractability of consORs enabled four cryoEM structures of distinct consORs with unique ligand recognition properties. The structure of a Class I consOR, consOR51, showed high structural similarity to the native human receptor OR51E2 and yielded a homology model of a related member of the human OR51 family with high predictive power. Structures of three Class II consORs revealed distinct modes of odorant-binding and activation mechanisms between Class I and Class II ORs. Thus, the structures of consORs lay the groundwork for understanding molecular recognition of odorants by the OR superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A. de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR2301 CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gifsur- Yvette, 91190, France
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Jeevan Tewari
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Claudia Llinas del Torrent
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wijnand J. C. van der Velden
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ichie Ojiro
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ikumi Takayama
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Bryan Faust
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linus Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nagarajan Vaidehi
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Aashish Manglik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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3
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Nonkhwao S, Rungsa P, Buraphaka H, Klaynongsruang S, Daduang J, Kornthong N, Daduang S. Characterization and Localization of Sol g 2.1 Protein from Solenopsis geminata Fire Ant Venom in the Central Nervous System of Injected Crickets ( Acheta domestica). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14814. [PMID: 37834262 PMCID: PMC10573061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Solenopsis geminata is recognized for containing the allergenic proteins Sol g 1, 2, 3, and 4 in its venom. Remarkably, Sol g 2.1 exhibits hydrophobic binding and has a high sequence identity (83.05%) with Sol i 2 from S. invicta. Notably, Sol g 2.1 acts as a mediator, causing paralysis in crickets. Given its structural resemblance and biological function, Sol g 2.1 may play a key role in transporting hydrophobic potent compounds, which induce paralysis by releasing the compounds through the insect's nervous system. To investigate this further, we constructed and characterized the recombinant Sol g 2.1 protein (rSol g 2.1), identified with LC-MS/MS. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was performed to reveal the structural features of the rSol g 2.1 protein. Furthermore, after treating crickets with S. geminata venom, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting results revealed that the Sol g 2.1 protein primarily localizes to the neuronal cell membrane of the brain and thoracic ganglia, with distribution areas related to octopaminergic neuron cell patterns. Based on protein-protein interaction predictions, we found that the Sol g 2.1 protein can interact with octopamine receptors (OctRs) in neuronal cell membranes, potentially mediating Sol g 2.1's localization within cricket central nervous systems. Here, we suggest that Sol g 2.1 may enhance paralysis in crickets by acting as carriers of active molecules and releasing them onto target cells through pH gradients. Future research should explore the binding properties of Sol g 2.1 with ligands, considering its potential as a transporter for active molecules targeting pest nervous systems, offering innovative pest control prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Nonkhwao
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
| | - Prapenpuksiri Rungsa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
| | - Hathairat Buraphaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
| | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Jureerut Daduang
- Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Napamanee Kornthong
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.N.); (P.R.); (H.B.)
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
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Kim WK, Choi K, Hyeon C, Jang SJ. General Chemical Reaction Network Theory for Olfactory Sensing Based on G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Elucidation of Odorant Mixture Effects and Agonist-Synergist Threshold. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:8412-8420. [PMID: 37712530 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a general chemical reaction network theory for olfactory sensing processes that employ G-protein-coupled receptors as olfactory receptors (ORs). The theory can be applied to general mixtures of odorants and an arbitrary number of ORs. Reactions of ORs with G-proteins, in both the presence and absence of odorants, are explicitly considered. A unique feature of the theory is the definition of an odor activity vector consisting of strengths of odorant-induced signals from ORs relative to those due to background G-protein activity in the absence of odorants. It is demonstrated that each component of the odor activity defined this way reduces to a Michaelis-Menten form capable of accounting for cooperation or competition effects between different odorants. The main features of the theory are illustrated for a two-odorant mixture. Known and potential mixture effects, such as suppression, shadowing, inhibition, and synergy, are quantitatively described. Effects of relative values of rate constants, basal activity, and G-protein concentration are also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Kyu Kim
- Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Hoegiro 85, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02455, Korea
| | - Kiri Choi
- Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Hoegiro 85, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02455, Korea
| | - Changbong Hyeon
- Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Hoegiro 85, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02455, Korea
| | - Seogjoo J Jang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, New York 11367, United States
- PhD Programs in Chemistry and Physics, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
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5
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Billesbølle CB, de March CA, van der Velden WJC, Ma N, Tewari J, Del Torrent CL, Li L, Faust B, Vaidehi N, Matsunami H, Manglik A. Structural basis of odorant recognition by a human odorant receptor. Nature 2023; 615:742-749. [PMID: 36922591 PMCID: PMC10580732 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05798-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Our sense of smell enables us to navigate a vast space of chemically diverse odour molecules. This task is accomplished by the combinatorial activation of approximately 400 odorant G protein-coupled receptors encoded in the human genome1-3. How odorants are recognized by odorant receptors remains unclear. Here we provide mechanistic insight into how an odorant binds to a human odorant receptor. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we determined the structure of the active human odorant receptor OR51E2 bound to the fatty acid propionate. Propionate is bound within an occluded pocket in OR51E2 and makes specific contacts critical to receptor activation. Mutation of the odorant-binding pocket in OR51E2 alters the recognition spectrum for fatty acids of varying chain length, suggesting that odorant selectivity is controlled by tight packing interactions between an odorant and an odorant receptor. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that propionate-induced conformational changes in extracellular loop 3 activate OR51E2. Together, our studies provide a high-resolution view of chemical recognition of an odorant by a vertebrate odorant receptor, providing insight into how this large family of G protein-coupled receptors enables our olfactory sense.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire A de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR2301 CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Wijnand J C van der Velden
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jeevan Tewari
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Claudia Llinas Del Torrent
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Linus Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bryan Faust
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nagarajan Vaidehi
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Aashish Manglik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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6
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Nicoli A, Haag F, Marcinek P, He R, Kreißl J, Stein J, Marchetto A, Dunkel A, Hofmann T, Krautwurst D, Di Pizio A. Modeling the Orthosteric Binding Site of the G Protein-Coupled Odorant Receptor OR5K1. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:2014-2029. [PMID: 36696962 PMCID: PMC10091413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
With approximately 400 encoding genes in humans, odorant receptors (ORs) are the largest subfamily of class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Despite its high relevance and representation, the odorant-GPCRome is structurally poorly characterized: no experimental structures are available, and the low sequence identity of ORs to experimentally solved GPCRs is a significant challenge for their modeling. Moreover, the receptive range of most ORs is unknown. The odorant receptor OR5K1 was recently and comprehensively characterized in terms of cognate agonists. Here, we report two additional agonists and functional data of the most potent compound on two mutants, L1043.32 and L2556.51. Experimental data was used to guide the investigation of the binding modes of OR5K1 ligands into the orthosteric binding site using structural information from AI-driven modeling, as recently released in the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database, and from homology modeling. Induced-fit docking simulations were used to sample the binding site conformational space for ensemble docking. Mutagenesis data guided side chain residue sampling and model selection. We obtained models that could better rationalize the different activity of active (agonist) versus inactive molecules with respect to starting models and also capture differences in activity related to minor structural differences. Therefore, we provide a model refinement protocol that can be applied to model the orthosteric binding site of ORs as well as that of GPCRs with low sequence identity to available templates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Nicoli
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Franziska Haag
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Patrick Marcinek
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Ruiming He
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Johanna Kreißl
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg Stein
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Alessandro Marchetto
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS)-5/Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM)-9, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Dunkel
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Hofmann
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Dietmar Krautwurst
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
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7
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Wang X, Stephen Chan HC, Yuan S. Modeling of Olfactory Receptors. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2627:183-193. [PMID: 36959448 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2974-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest subfamily within class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). No experimental structural data of any OR is available to date. Homology modeling has become a popular strategy to propose plausible OR models, in order to study the structure-function relationships of the receptors and to aid the discovery and development of ligands capable of modulating receptor activity. In this chapter, we provide a general guideline for OR structure construction, including the collection of candidate templates, structure-based sequence alignment, 3D structure construction, ligand docking, and molecular dynamic simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Wang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, China
| | - H C Stephen Chan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen, China.
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8
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Goldberg JM, Lippard SJ. Mobile zinc as a modulator of sensory perception. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:151-165. [PMID: 36416529 PMCID: PMC10108044 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mobile zinc is an abundant transition metal ion in the central nervous system, with pools of divalent zinc accumulating in regions of the brain engaged in sensory perception and memory formation. Here, we present essential tools that we developed to interrogate the role(s) of mobile zinc in these processes. Most important are (a) fluorescent sensors that report the presence of mobile zinc and (b) fast, Zn-selective chelating agents for measuring zinc flux in animal tissue and live animals. The results of our studies, conducted in collaboration with neuroscientist experts, are presented for sensory organs involved in hearing, smell, vision, and learning and memory. A general principle emerging from these studies is that the function of mobile zinc in all cases appears to be downregulation of the amplitude of the response following overstimulation of the respective sensory organs. Possible consequences affecting human behavior are presented for future investigations in collaboration with interested behavioral scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J Lippard
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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9
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de March CA, Matsunami H, Abe M, Cobb M, Hoover KC. Genetic and functional odorant receptor variation in the Homo lineage. iScience 2022; 26:105908. [PMID: 36691623 PMCID: PMC9860384 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans independently adapted to a wide range of geographic environments and their associated food odors. Using ancient DNA sequences, we explored the in vitro function of thirty odorant receptor genes in the genus Homo. Our extinct relatives had highly conserved olfactory receptor sequence, but humans did not. Variations in odorant receptor protein sequence and structure may have produced variation in odor detection and perception. Variants led to minimal changes in specificity but had more influence on functional sensitivity. The few Neanderthal variants disturbed function, whereas Denisovan variants increased sensitivity to sweet and sulfur odors. Geographic adaptations may have produced greater functional variation in our lineage, increasing our olfactory repertoire and expanding our adaptive capacity. Our survey of olfactory genes and odorant receptors suggests that our genus has a shared repertoire with possible local ecological adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A. de March
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR2301 CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Masashi Abe
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Matthew Cobb
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kara C. Hoover
- Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA,Corresponding author
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10
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The Third Extracellular Loop of Mammalian Odorant Receptors Is Involved in Ligand Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012501. [PMID: 36293357 PMCID: PMC9604345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals recognize chemicals in the air via G protein-coupled odorant receptors (ORs). In addition to their orthosteric binding site, other segments of these receptors modulate ligand recognition. Focusing on human hOR1A1, which is considered prototypical of class II ORs, we used a combination of molecular modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and in vitro functional assays. We showed that the third extracellular loop of ORs (ECL3) contributes to ligand recognition and receptor activation. Indeed, site-directed mutations in ECL3 showed differential effects on the potency and efficacy of both carvones, citronellol, and 2-nonanone.
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11
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Zhu KW, Burton SD, Nagai MH, Silverman JD, de March CA, Wachowiak M, Matsunami H. Decoding the olfactory map through targeted transcriptomics links murine olfactory receptors to glomeruli. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5137. [PMID: 36050313 PMCID: PMC9437035 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32267-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing in olfactory systems is organized across olfactory bulb glomeruli, wherein axons of peripheral sensory neurons expressing the same olfactory receptor co-terminate to transmit receptor-specific activity to central neurons. Understanding how receptors map to glomeruli is therefore critical to understanding olfaction. High-throughput spatial transcriptomics is a rapidly advancing field, but low-abundance olfactory receptor expression within glomeruli has previously precluded high-throughput mapping of receptors to glomeruli in the mouse. Here we combined sequential sectioning along the anteroposterior, dorsoventral, and mediolateral axes with target capture enrichment sequencing to overcome low-abundance target expression. This strategy allowed us to spatially map 86% of olfactory receptors across the olfactory bulb and uncover a relationship between OR sequence and glomerular position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin W Zhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Shawn D Burton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Maira H Nagai
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Justin D Silverman
- College of Information Science and Technology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Statistics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
- Institute for Computational and Data Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Claire A de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Matt Wachowiak
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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12
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Extracellular loop 2 of G protein-coupled olfactory receptors is critical for odorant recognition. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102331. [PMID: 35926708 PMCID: PMC9442423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein–coupled olfactory receptors (ORs) enable us to detect innumerous odorants. They are also ectopically expressed in nonolfactory tissues and emerging as attractive drug targets. ORs can be promiscuous or highly specific, which is part of a larger mechanism for odor discrimination. Here, we demonstrate that the OR extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) plays critical roles in OR promiscuity and specificity. Using site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling, we constructed 3D OR models in which ECL2 forms a lid over the orthosteric pocket. We demonstrate using molecular dynamics simulations that ECL2 controls the shape and volume of the odorant-binding pocket, maintains the pocket hydrophobicity, and acts as a gatekeeper of odorant binding. Therefore, we propose the interplay between the specific orthosteric pocket and the variable, less specific ECL2 controls OR specificity and promiscuity. Furthermore, the 3D models created here enabled virtual screening of new OR agonists and antagonists, which exhibited a 70% hit rate in cell assays. Our approach can potentially be generalized to structure-based ligand screening for other G protein–coupled receptors that lack high-resolution 3D structures.
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13
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Transcriptional adaptation of olfactory sensory neurons to GPCR identity and activity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2929. [PMID: 35614043 PMCID: PMC9132991 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, chemoperception relies on a diverse set of neuronal sensors able to detect chemicals present in the environment, and to adapt to various levels of stimulation. The contribution of endogenous and external factors to these neuronal identities remains to be determined. Taking advantage of the parallel coding lines present in the olfactory system, we explored the potential variations of neuronal identities before and after olfactory experience. We found that at rest, the transcriptomic profiles of mouse olfactory sensory neuron populations are already divergent, specific to the olfactory receptor they express, and are associated with the sequence of these latter. These divergent profiles further evolve in response to the environment, as odorant exposure leads to reprogramming via the modulation of transcription. These findings highlight a broad range of sensory neuron identities that are present at rest and that adapt to the experience of the individual, thus adding to the complexity and flexibility of sensory coding.
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14
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Cong X, Ren W, Pacalon J, Xu R, Xu L, Li X, de March CA, Matsunami H, Yu H, Yu Y, Golebiowski J. Large-Scale G Protein-Coupled Olfactory Receptor-Ligand Pairing. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:379-387. [PMID: 35350604 PMCID: PMC8949627 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c01495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) conserve common structural folds and activation mechanisms, yet their ligand spectra and functions are highly diverse. This work investigated how the amino-acid sequences of olfactory receptors (ORs)-the largest GPCR family-encode diversified responses to various ligands. We established a proteochemometric (PCM) model based on OR sequence similarities and ligand physicochemical features to predict OR responses to odorants using supervised machine learning. The PCM model was constructed with the aid of site-directed mutagenesis, in vitro functional assays, and molecular simulations. We found that the ligand selectivity of the ORs is mostly encoded in the residues up to 8 Å around the orthosteric pocket. Subsequent predictions using Random Forest (RF) showed a hit rate of up to 58%, as assessed by in vitro functional assays of 111 ORs and 7 odorants of distinct scaffolds. Sixty-four new OR-odorant pairs were discovered, and 25 ORs were deorphanized here. The best model demonstrated a 56% deorphanization rate. The PCM-RF approach will accelerate OR-odorant mapping and OR deorphanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Cong
- Université
Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR7272, Nice 06108, France
- E-mail:
| | - Wenwen Ren
- Institutes
of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jody Pacalon
- Université
Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR7272, Nice 06108, France
| | - Rui Xu
- School
of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lun Xu
- Ear,
Nose & Throat Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear,
Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Li
- School
of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, People’s Republic of China
| | - Claire A. de March
- Department
of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Department of Neurobiology,
and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke
University Medical Center, Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department
of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Department of Neurobiology,
and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke
University Medical Center, Research Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Hongmeng Yu
- Ear,
Nose & Throat Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear,
Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical
and Research Center for Olfactory Disorders, Eye, Ear, Nose &
Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
- Research
Units of New Technologies of Endoscopic Surgery in Skull Base Tumor,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Yiqun Yu
- Ear,
Nose & Throat Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear,
Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical
and Research Center for Olfactory Disorders, Eye, Ear, Nose &
Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
- E-mail:
| | - Jérôme Golebiowski
- Université
Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR7272, Nice 06108, France
- Department
of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk
Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 711-873, South Korea
- E-mail:
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15
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Binding site identification of G protein-coupled receptors through a 3D Zernike polynomials-based method: application to C. elegans olfactory receptors. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2022; 36:11-24. [PMID: 34977999 PMCID: PMC8831295 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-021-00434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Studying the binding processes of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) proteins is of particular interest both to better understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate the signaling between the extracellular and intracellular environment and for drug design purposes. In this study, we propose a new computational approach for the identification of the binding site for a specific ligand on a GPCR. The method is based on the Zernike polynomials and performs the ligand-GPCR association through a shape complementarity analysis of the local molecular surfaces. The method is parameter-free and it can distinguish, working on hundreds of experimentally GPCR-ligand complexes, binding pockets from randomly sampled regions on the receptor surface, obtaining an Area Under ROC curve of 0.77. Given its importance both as a model organism and in terms of applications, we thus investigated the olfactory receptors of the C. elegans, building a list of associations between 21 GPCRs belonging to its olfactory neurons and a set of possible ligands. Thus, we can not only carry out rapid and efficient screenings of drugs proposed for GPCRs, key targets in many pathologies, but also we laid the groundwork for computational mutagenesis processes, aimed at increasing or decreasing the binding affinity between ligands and receptors.
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16
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Francia S, Lodovichi C. The role of the odorant receptors in the formation of the sensory map. BMC Biol 2021; 19:174. [PMID: 34452614 PMCID: PMC8394594 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01116-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In the olfactory system, odorant receptors (ORs) expressed at the cell membrane of olfactory sensory neurons detect odorants and direct sensory axons toward precise target locations in the brain, reflected in the presence of olfactory sensory maps. This dual role of ORs is corroborated by their subcellular expression both in cilia, where they bind odorants, and at axon terminals, a location suitable for axon guidance cues. Here, we provide an overview and discuss previous work on the role of ORs in establishing the topographic organization of the olfactory system and recent findings on the mechanisms of activation and function of axonal ORs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Francia
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Lodovichi
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy. .,Neuroscience Institute CNR, Via Orus 2, 35129, Padua, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. .,Padova Neuroscience Center, Padua, Italy.
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17
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Zhang S, Li L, Li H. Role of ectopic olfactory receptors in glucose and lipid metabolism. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4792-4807. [PMID: 34411276 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolic syndrome has become one of the major public health challenges in the world, and adjusting glucose and lipid levels to their normal values is crucial for treating the metabolic syndrome. Olfactory receptors (ORs) expressed in extra-nasal tissues participate in diverse biological processes, including the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Ectopic ORs can regulate a variety of metabolic events including insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, fatty acid oxidation, lipogenesis and thermogenesis. Understanding the physiological function and deciphering the olfactory recognition code by suitable ligands make ectopic ORs potential targets for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. In this review, we delineate the roles and mechanisms of ectopic ORs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, summarize the corresponding natural ligands, and discuss existing problems and the therapeutic potential of targeting ORs in the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linghuan Li
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanbing Li
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.,Section of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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18
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Cation-π Interactions and their Functional Roles in Membrane Proteins. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167035. [PMID: 33957146 PMCID: PMC8338773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cation-π interactions arise as a result of strong attractive forces between positively charged entities and the π-electron cloud of aromatic groups. The physicochemical characteristics of cation-π interactions are particularly well-suited to the dual hydrophobic/hydrophilic environment of membrane proteins. As high-resolution structural data of membrane proteins bring molecular features into increasingly sharper view, cation-π interactions are gaining traction as essential contributors to membrane protein chemistry, function, and pharmacology. Here we review the physicochemical properties of cation-π interactions and present several prominent examples which demonstrate significant roles for this specialized biological chemistry.
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19
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Jabeen A, Vijayram R, Ranganathan S. A two-stage computational approach to predict novel ligands for a chemosensory receptor. Curr Res Struct Biol 2021; 2:213-221. [PMID: 34235481 PMCID: PMC8244491 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory receptor (OR) 1A2 is the member of largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). OR1A2 is an ectopically expressed receptor with only 13 known ligands, implicated in reducing hepatocellular carcinoma progression, with enormous therapeutic potential. We have developed a two-stage screening approach to identify novel putative ligands of OR1A2. We first used a pharmacophore model based on atomic property field (APF) to virtually screen a library of 5942 human metabolites. We then carried out structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) for predicting the potential agonists, based on a 3D homology model of OR1A2. This model was developed using a biophysical approach for template selection, based on multiple parameters including hydrophobicity correspondence, applied to the complete set of available GPCR structures to pick the most appropriate template. Finally, the membrane-embedded 3D model was refined by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in both the apo and holo forms. The refined model in the apo form was selected for SBVS. Four novel small molecules were identified as strong binders to this olfactory receptor on the basis of computed binding energies.
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Key Words
- APF, Atomic property field
- Amber, Assisted model Building with Energy Refinement
- Atomic property field
- Binding free energy calculation
- CSF, Cerebrospinal fluid
- ECL, Extracellular loop
- GPCR, G protein coupled receptor
- HCMV, Human cytomegalovirus
- HMDB, Human metabolome database
- Hydrophobicity correspondence
- LBVS, Ligand based virtual screening
- LC, Lung carcinoids
- MD, Molecular dynamics
- MMGBSA, Molecular mechanics generalized born surface area
- MMPBSA, Molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area
- Molecular dynamics
- NAFLD, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- OR, olfactory receptor
- OR1A2
- Olfactory receptor
- PMEMD, Particle-Mesh Ewald Molecular Dynamics
- POPC, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphatidylcholine
- RMSD, Root mean square deviation
- RMSF, Root mean square fluctuation
- SBVS, Structure based virtual screening
- SSD, Sum of squared difference
- TM, Transmembrane
- Virtual ligand screening
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Affiliation(s)
- Amara Jabeen
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ramya Vijayram
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Shoba Ranganathan
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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20
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Alfonso-Prieto M. Bitter Taste and Olfactory Receptors: Beyond Chemical Sensing in the Tongue and the Nose. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:343-352. [PMID: 34173018 PMCID: PMC8231087 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The Up-and-Coming-Scientist section of the current issue of the Journal of Membrane Biology features the invited essay by Dr. Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto, Assistant Professor at the Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Germany, and the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Vogt Institute for Brain Research.
Dr. Alfonso-Prieto completed her doctoral degree in chemistry at the Barcelona Science Park, Spain, in 2009, pursued post-doctoral research in computational molecular sciences at Temple University, USA, and then, as a Marie Curie post-doctoral fellow at the University of Barcelona, worked on computations of enzyme reactions and modeling of photoswitchable ligands targeting neuronal receptors. In 2016, she joined the Institute for Advanced Science and the Institute for Computational Biomedicine at the FZJ, where she pursues research on modeling and simulation of chemical senses.
The invited essay by Dr. Alfonso-Prieto discusses state-of-the-art modeling of molecular receptors involved in chemical sensing – the senses of taste and smell. These receptors, and computational methods to study them, are the focus of Dr. Alfonso-Prieto’s research. Recently, Dr. Alfonso-Prieto and colleagues have presented a new methodology to predict ligand binding poses for GPCRs, and extensive computations that deciphered the ligand selectivity determinants of bitter taste receptors. These developments inform our current understanding of how taste occurs at the molecular level. Graphic Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Advanced Simulations IAS-5/Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany. .,Medical Faculty, Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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21
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Gonçalves F, Ribeiro A, Silva C, Cavaco-Paulo A. Biotechnological applications of mammalian odorant-binding proteins. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 41:441-455. [PMID: 33541154 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1853672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The olfactory system of mammals allows the detection and discrimination of thousands of odors from the environment. In mammals, odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are considered responsible to carry odorant molecules across the aqueous nasal mucus to the olfactory receptors (ORs). The three-dimensional structure of these proteins presents eight antiparallel β-sheets and a short α-helical segment close to the C terminus, typical of the lipocalins family. The great ability of OBPs to bind differentiated ligand molecules has driven the research to understand the mechanisms underlying the OBP function in nature and the development of advanced biotechnological applications. This review describes the role of mammalian OBPs in the olfactory perception, highlighting the influence of several key parameters (amino acids, temperature, ionic strength, and pH) in the formation of the OBP/ligand complex. The information from the literature regarding OBP structure, affinity, the strength of binding, and stability inspiring the development of several applications herein detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Gonçalves
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Artur Ribeiro
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carla Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Artur Cavaco-Paulo
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
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22
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Dewan A. Olfactory signaling via trace amine-associated receptors. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 383:395-407. [PMID: 33237477 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03331-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) are a family of G protein-coupled receptors that function as odorant receptors in the main olfactory system of vertebrates. TAARs are monoallelically expressed in primary sensory neurons where they couple to the same transduction cascade as canonical olfactory receptors and are mapped onto glomeruli within a specific region of the olfactory bulb. TAARs have a high affinity for volatile amines, a class of chemicals that are generated during the decomposition of proteins and are ubiquitous physiological metabolites that are found in body fluids. Thus, amines are proposed to play an important role in intra- and interspecific communication such as signaling the sex of the conspecific, the quality of the food source, or even the proximity of a predator. TAARs have a crucial role in the perception of these behaviorally relevant compounds as the genetic deletion of all or even individual olfactory TAARs can alter the behavioral response and reduce the sensitivity to amines. The small size of this receptor family combined with the ethological relevance of their ligands makes the TAARs an attractive model system for probing olfactory perception. This review will summarize the current knowledge on the olfactory TAARs and discuss whether they represent a unique subsystem within the main olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Dewan
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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23
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Oprea A, Weimar U. Gas sensors based on mass-sensitive transducers. Part 2: Improving the sensors towards practical application. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:6707-6776. [PMID: 32737549 PMCID: PMC7496080 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02627-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Within the framework outlined in the first part of the review, the second part addresses attempts to increase receptor material performance through the use of sensor systems and chemometric methods, in conjunction with receptor preparation methods and sensor-specific tasks. Conclusions are then drawn, and development perspectives for gravimetric sensors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Oprea
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
- Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Sensors & Analytics, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Udo Weimar
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Sensors & Analytics, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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24
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Haag F, Ahmed L, Reiss K, Block E, Batista VS, Krautwurst D. Copper-mediated thiol potentiation and mutagenesis-guided modeling suggest a highly conserved copper-binding motif in human OR2M3. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2157-2179. [PMID: 31435697 PMCID: PMC7256108 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur-containing compounds within a physiological relevant, natural odor space, such as the key food odorants, typically constitute the group of volatiles with the lowest odor thresholds. The observation that certain metals, such as copper, potentiate the smell of sulfur-containing, metal-coordinating odorants led to the hypothesis that their cognate receptors are metalloproteins. However, experimental evidence is sparse-so far, only one human odorant receptor, OR2T11, and a few mouse receptors, have been reported to be activated by sulfur-containing odorants in a copper-dependent way, while the activation of other receptors by sulfur-containing odorants did not depend on the presence of metals. Here we identified an evolutionary conserved putative copper interaction motif CC/CSSH, comprising two copper-binding sites in TMH5 and TMH6, together with the binding pocket for 3-mercapto-2-methylpentan-1-ol in the narrowly tuned human receptor OR2M3. To characterize the copper-binding motif, we combined homology modeling, docking studies, site-directed mutagenesis, and functional expression of recombinant ORs in a cell-based, real-time luminescence assay. Ligand activation of OR2M3 was potentiated in the presence of copper. This effect of copper was mimicked by ionic and colloidal silver. In two broadly tuned receptors, OR1A1 and OR2W1, which did not reveal a putative copper interaction motif, activation by their most potent, sulfur-containing key food odorants did not depend on the presence of copper. Our results suggest a highly conserved putative copper-binding motif to be necessary for a copper-modulated and thiol-specific function of members from three subfamilies of family 2 ORs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Haag
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Str. 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Lucky Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Krystle Reiss
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Eric Block
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| | - Victor S Batista
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Dietmar Krautwurst
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Str. 34, 85354, Freising, Germany.
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25
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Szunerits S, Boukherroub R, Vasilescu A. Electrochemical biosensing with odorant binding proteins. Methods Enzymol 2020; 642:345-369. [PMID: 32828260 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2020.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of sensors that mimic the natural smell sensing mechanism and selectively recognizes the odorants remains highly challenging. Electrochemical based sensing approaches aiming at monitoring molecular recognition events between surface receptors and analytes in solution or in the gas phase, are one possible transduction platforms among others for the construction of an artificial nose. The principle of electrochemical detection lies on the shift of the potential/current during the recognition event, which is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, in our case the odorant. A tremendous amount of efforts has been put into making electrochemical sensors sensitive and selective to the analyte of interest through the use of nanomaterials, development of different detection schemes and application of innovative receptor ligands for selective detection of the analyte. There have been significant advances in electrochemical based odorant sensing by using odorant binding proteins (OBP) as surface receptors, small soluble proteins present in nasal mucus at millimolar concentrations where the hydrophobic binding pocket gives the ability to reversibly bind odorant molecules. As OBPs are robust and easy to produce receptors, they are good candidates for the design of biosensors. In this chapter, we focus on the progress made on the detection of odorant molecules using OBPs as a bioreceptor and electrochemistry as a transduction method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Szunerits
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520-IEMN, Lille, France.
| | - Rabah Boukherroub
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520-IEMN, Lille, France
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26
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Hu XS, Ikegami K, Vihani A, Zhu KW, Zapata M, de March CA, Do M, Vaidya N, Kucera G, Bock C, Jiang Y, Yohda M, Matsunami H. Concentration-Dependent Recruitment of Mammalian Odorant Receptors. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0103-19.2019. [PMID: 32015097 PMCID: PMC7189481 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0103-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental challenge in studying principles of organization used by the olfactory system to encode odor concentration information has been identifying comprehensive sets of activated odorant receptors (ORs) across a broad concentration range inside freely behaving animals. In mammals, this has recently become feasible with high-throughput sequencing-based methods that identify populations of activated ORs in vivo In this study, we characterized the mouse OR repertoires activated by the two odorants, acetophenone (ACT) and 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), from 0.01% to 100% (v/v) as starting concentrations using phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 capture followed by RNA-Seq. We found Olfr923 to be one of the most sensitive ORs that is enriched by ACT. Using a mouse line that genetically labels Olfr923-positive axons, we provided evidence that ACT activates the Olfr923 glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. Through molecular dynamics stimulations, we identified amino acid residues in the Olfr923 binding cavity that facilitate ACT binding. This study sheds light on the active process by which unique OR repertoires may collectively facilitate the discrimination of odorant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Serene Hu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Kentaro Ikegami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8538, Japan
| | - Aashutosh Vihani
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Kevin W Zhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Marcelo Zapata
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Claire A de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Matthew Do
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Natasha Vaidya
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Durham, NC 27705
| | - Gary Kucera
- DCI Rodent Cancer Models Shared Resource, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Cheryl Bock
- DCI Rodent Cancer Models Shared Resource, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Masafumi Yohda
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8538, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
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Ikegami K, de March CA, Nagai MH, Ghosh S, Do M, Sharma R, Bruguera ES, Lu YE, Fukutani Y, Vaidehi N, Yohda M, Matsunami H. Structural instability and divergence from conserved residues underlie intracellular retention of mammalian odorant receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:2957-2967. [PMID: 31974307 PMCID: PMC7022149 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915520117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian odorant receptors are a diverse and rapidly evolving set of G protein-coupled receptors expressed in olfactory cilia membranes. Most odorant receptors show little to no cell surface expression in nonolfactory cells due to endoplasmic reticulum retention, which has slowed down biochemical studies. Here we provide evidence that structural instability and divergence from conserved residues of individual odorant receptors underlie intracellular retention using a combination of large-scale screening of odorant receptors cell surface expression in heterologous cells, point mutations, structural modeling, and machine learning techniques. We demonstrate the importance of conserved residues by synthesizing consensus odorant receptors that show high levels of cell surface expression similar to conventional G protein-coupled receptors. Furthermore, we associate in silico structural instability with poor cell surface expression using molecular dynamics simulations. We propose an enhanced evolutionary capacitance of olfactory sensory neurons that enable the functional expression of odorant receptors with cryptic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ikegami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Claire A de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Maira H Nagai
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Soumadwip Ghosh
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Matthew Do
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Ruchira Sharma
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Elise S Bruguera
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Yueyang Eric Lu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Yosuke Fukutani
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Nagarajan Vaidehi
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Masafumi Yohda
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710;
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
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Milanetti E, Gosti G, De Flaviis L, Olimpieri PP, Schwartz S, Caprini D, Ruocco G, Folli V. Investigation of the binding between olfactory receptors and odorant molecules in C. elegans organism. Biophys Chem 2019; 255:106264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2019.106264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Genva M, Kenne Kemene T, Deleu M, Lins L, Fauconnier ML. Is It Possible to Predict the Odor of a Molecule on the Basis of its Structure? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123018. [PMID: 31226833 PMCID: PMC6627536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The olfactory sense is the dominant sensory perception for many animals. When Richard Axel and Linda B. Buck received the Nobel Prize in 2004 for discovering the G protein-coupled receptors’ role in olfactory cells, they highlighted the importance of olfaction to the scientific community. Several theories have tried to explain how cells are able to distinguish such a wide variety of odorant molecules in a complex context in which enantiomers can result in completely different perceptions and structurally different molecules. Moreover, sex, age, cultural origin, and individual differences contribute to odor perception variations that complicate the picture. In this article, recent advances in olfaction theory are presented, and future trends in human olfaction such as structure-based odor prediction and artificial sniffing are discussed at the frontiers of chemistry, physiology, neurobiology, and machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Genva
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Molecules, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Tierry Kenne Kemene
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Molecules, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Magali Deleu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics at Interfaces, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Laurence Lins
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics at Interfaces, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Marie-Laure Fauconnier
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Molecules, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
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Alfonso-Prieto M, Navarini L, Carloni P. Understanding Ligand Binding to G-Protein Coupled Receptors Using Multiscale Simulations. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:29. [PMID: 31131282 PMCID: PMC6510167 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) convey a wide variety of extracellular signals inside the cell and they are one of the main targets for pharmaceutical intervention. Rational drug design requires structural information on these receptors; however, the number of experimental structures is scarce. This gap can be filled by computational models, based on homology modeling and docking techniques. Nonetheless, the low sequence identity across GPCRs and the chemical diversity of their ligands may limit the quality of these models and hence refinement using molecular dynamics simulations is recommended. This is the case for olfactory and bitter taste receptors, which constitute the first and third largest GPCR groups and show sequence identities with the available GPCR templates below 20%. We have developed a molecular dynamics approach, based on the combination of molecular mechanics and coarse grained (MM/CG), tailored to study ligand binding in GPCRs. This approach has been applied so far to bitter taste receptor complexes, showing significant predictive power. The protein/ligand interactions observed in the simulations were consistent with extensive mutagenesis and functional data. Moreover, the simulations predicted several binding residues not previously tested, which were subsequently verified by carrying out additional experiments. Comparison of the simulations of two bitter taste receptors with different ligand selectivity also provided some insights into the binding determinants of bitter taste receptors. Although the MM/CG approach has been applied so far to a limited number of GPCR/ligand complexes, the excellent agreement of the computational models with the mutagenesis and functional data supports the applicability of this method to other GPCRs for which experimental structures are missing. This is particularly important for the challenging case of GPCRs with low sequence identity with available templates, for which molecular docking shows limited predictive power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine INM-11, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Department of Physics, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,VNU Key Laboratory "Multiscale Simulation of Complex Systems", VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
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de March CA, Fukutani Y, Vihani A, Kida H, Matsunami H. Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31081824 DOI: 10.3791/59446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory perception begins with the interaction of odorants with odorant receptors (OR) expressed by olfactory sensory neurons (OSN). Odor recognition follows a combinatorial coding scheme, where one OR can be activated by a set of odorants and one odorant can activate a combination of ORs. Through such combinatorial coding, organisms can detect and discriminate between a myriad of volatile odor molecules. Thus, an odor at a given concentration can be described by an activation pattern of ORs, which is specific to each odor. In that sense, cracking the mechanisms that the brain uses to perceive odor requires the understanding odorant-OR interactions. This is why the olfaction community is committed to "de-orphanize" these receptors. Conventional in vitro systems used to identify odorant-OR interactions have utilized incubating cell media with odorant, which is distinct from the natural detection of odors via vapor odorants dissolution into nasal mucosa before interacting with ORs. Here, we describe a new method that allows for real-time monitoring of OR activation via vapor-phase odorants. Our method relies on measuring cAMP release by luminescence using the Glosensor assay. It bridges current gaps between in vivo and in vitro approaches and provides a basis for a biomimetic volatile chemical sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center;
| | - Yosuke Fukutani
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center; Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
| | - Aashutosh Vihani
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center
| | - Hitoshi Kida
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center; Department of Mechanical Systems, Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center; Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University;
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Abstract
Unraveling the sense of smell relies on understanding how odorant receptors recognize odorant molecules. Given the vastness of the odorant chemical space and the complexity of the odorant receptor space, computational methods are in line to propose rules connecting them. We hereby propose an in silico and an in vitro approach, which, when combined are extremely useful for assessing chemogenomic links. In this chapter we mostly focus on the mining of already existing data through machine learning methods. This approach allows establishing predictions that map the chemical space and the receptor space. Then, we describe the method for assessing the activation of odorant receptors and their mutants through luciferase reporter gene functional assays.
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Verzeaux L, Richer S, Viguier J, Gofflo S, Boudier D, Aymard E, Closs B. Structure-function relationship between a natural cosmetic active ingredient and the olfactory receptor OR2AT4. Int J Cosmet Sci 2019; 41:194-199. [PMID: 30854660 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although the olfactory receptor OR2AT4 was described as involved in epidermal renewal, there is no data about a cosmetic active ingredient activating this receptor. The aim of this research work was thus to identify a natural molecule binding to this receptor in order to stimulate keratinocyte migration. METHODS For this purpose, natural molecules were extracted from Cocos nucifera flour. Then, efficacy of this natural extract was evaluated on keratinocyte migration in vitro. Molecules of the Cocos nucifera flour extract were then identified by UPLC-MS/MS. Molecular docking was finally conducted to investigate the potential interaction between identified molecules and the olfactory receptor OR2AT4. RESULTS The Cocos nucifera flour extract significantly increased keratinocyte migration and results demonstrated that this effect was mediated by the olfactory receptor OR2AT4. Metabolomic analysis revealed two molecules, nonioside D and butyl 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, as significantly present in the Cocos nucifera flour extract compared to both Cocos nucifera oil and water. Finally, molecular docking revealed that butyl 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside could interact with the extracellular domain 2 of the OR2AT4. CONCLUSION This study highlighted for the first time a natural molecule, extracted from Cocos nucifera flour, able to interact with the olfactory receptor OR2AT4 and promote the keratinocyte migration and thus the epithelialization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Richer
- SILAB R&D Department, Brive, France
| | | | - S Gofflo
- SILAB R&D Department, Brive, France
| | | | - E Aymard
- SILAB R&D Department, Brive, France
| | - B Closs
- SILAB R&D Department, Brive, France
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34
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Bushdid C, de March CA, Topin J, Do M, Matsunami H, Golebiowski J. Mammalian class I odorant receptors exhibit a conserved vestibular-binding pocket. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:995-1004. [PMID: 30599066 PMCID: PMC7313674 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2996-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Odorant receptors represent the largest family of mammalian G protein-coupled receptors. Phylogenetically, they are split into two classes (I and II). By analyzing the entire subclass I odorant receptors sequences, we identified two class I-specific and highly conserved motifs. These are predicted to face each other at the extra-cellular portion of the transmembrane domain, forming a vestibular site at the entrance to the orthosteric-binding cavity. Molecular dynamics simulation combined with site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro functional assays confirm the functional role of this vestibular site in ligand-driven activation. Mutations at this part of the receptor differentially affect the receptor response to four agonists. Since this vestibular site is involved in ligand recognition, it could serve ligand design that targets specifically this sub-genome of mammalian odorant receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bushdid
- Institute of Chemistry - Nice, UMR CNRS 7272, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Claire A de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jérémie Topin
- Institute of Chemistry - Nice, UMR CNRS 7272, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Matthew Do
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Jérôme Golebiowski
- Institute of Chemistry - Nice, UMR CNRS 7272, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Behrens M, Briand L, de March CA, Matsunami H, Yamashita A, Meyerhof W, Weyand S. Structure-Function Relationships of Olfactory and Taste Receptors. Chem Senses 2019; 43:81-87. [PMID: 29342245 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjx083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of chemical senses has made major progress in understanding the cellular mechanisms of olfaction and taste in the past 2 decades. However, the molecular understanding of odor and taste recognition is still lagging far behind and will require solving multiple structures of the relevant full-length receptors in complex with native ligands to achieve this goal. However, the development of multiple complimentary strategies for the structure determination of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) makes this goal realistic. The common conundrum of how multi-specific receptors that recognize a large number of different ligands results in a sensory perception in the brain will only be fully understood by a combination of high-resolution receptor structures and functional studies. This review discusses the first steps on this pathway, including biochemical and physiological assays, forward genetics approaches, molecular modeling, and the first steps towards the structural biology of olfactory and taste receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Behrens
- Department of Molecular Genetics, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
| | - Loïc Briand
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Univ. de Bourgogne- Franche-Comté, France
| | - Claire A de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, USA
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, USA
| | - Atsuko Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Japan
| | - Wolfgang Meyerhof
- Department of Molecular Genetics, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
| | - Simone Weyand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, UK
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Block E. Molecular Basis of Mammalian Odor Discrimination: A Status Report. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:13346-13366. [PMID: 30453735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b04471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Humans have 396 unique, intact olfactory receptors (ORs), G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) containing receptor-specific binding sites; other mammals have more. Activation of these transmembrane proteins by an odorant initiates a signaling cascade, evoking an action potential leading to perception of a smell. Because the number of distinguishable odorants vastly exceeds the number of ORs, research has focused on mechanisms of recognition and signaling processes for classes of odorants. In this review, selected recent examples will be presented of "deorphaned" mammalian receptors, where the OR ligands (odorants) as well as key aspects of receptor-odorant interactions were identified using odorant-mediated receptor activation data together with site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling. Based on cumulative evidence from OR deorphaning and olfactory receptor neuron activation studies, a receptor-ligand docking model rather than an alternative bond vibration model is suggested to best explain the molecular basis of the exquisitely sensitive odor discrimination in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Block
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
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37
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Bushdid C, de March CA, Fiorucci S, Matsunami H, Golebiowski J. Agonists of G-Protein-Coupled Odorant Receptors Are Predicted from Chemical Features. J Phys Chem Lett 2018; 9:2235-2240. [PMID: 29648835 PMCID: PMC7294703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.8b00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Predicting the activity of chemicals for a given odorant receptor is a longstanding challenge. Here the activity of 258 chemicals on the human G-protein-coupled odorant receptor (OR)51E1, also known as prostate-specific G-protein-coupled receptor 2 (PSGR2), was virtually screened by machine learning using 4884 chemical descriptors as input. A systematic control by functional in vitro assays revealed that a support vector machine algorithm accurately predicted the activity of a screened library. It allowed us to identify two novel agonists in vitro for OR51E1. The transferability of the protocol was assessed on OR1A1, OR2W1, and MOR256-3 odorant receptors, and, in each case, novel agonists were identified with a hit rate of 39-50%. We further show how ligands' efficacy is encoded into residues within OR51E1 cavity using a molecular modeling protocol. Our approach allows widening the chemical spaces associated with odorant receptors. This machine-learning protocol based on chemical features thus represents an efficient tool for screening ligands for G-protein-coupled odorant receptors that modulate non-olfactory functions or, upon combinatorial activation, give rise to our sense of smell.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Bushdid
- Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR CNRS 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - C. A. de March
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - S. Fiorucci
- Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR CNRS 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - H. Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Corresponding Authors: (J.G.)., (H.M.)
| | - J. Golebiowski
- Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR CNRS 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding Authors: (J.G.)., (H.M.)
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de March CA, Topin J, Bruguera E, Novikov G, Ikegami K, Matsunami H, Golebiowski J. Odorant Receptor 7D4 Activation Dynamics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:4554-4558. [PMID: 29462498 PMCID: PMC6268213 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201713065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering how an odorant activates an odorant receptor (OR) and how changes in specific OR residues affect its responsiveness are central to understanding our sense of smell. A joint approach combining site-directed mutagenesis and functional assays with computational modeling has been used to explore the signaling mechanics of OR7D4. In this OR, a genetic polymorphism affects our perception of androstenone. Molecular simulations totaling 0.12 ms predicted that, similarly to observations for other G-protein-coupled receptors with known experimental structures, an activation pathway connects the ligand and the G-protein binding site. The 3D model activation mechanism correlates with in vitro data and notably predicts that the OR7D4 WM variant is not activated. Upon activation, an OR-specific sequence motif is the convergence point of the mechanism. Our study suggests that robust homology modeling can serve as a powerful tool to capture OR dynamics related to smell perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A. de March
- Institute of Chemistry - Nice, UMR 7272 CNRS – Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice cedex, France, Dept. of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jérémie Topin
- Institute of Chemistry - Nice, UMR 7272 CNRS – Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice cedex, France
| | - Elise Bruguera
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gleb Novikov
- Institute of Chemistry - Nice, UMR 7272 CNRS – Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice cedex, France
| | - Kentaro Ikegami
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA, Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jérôme Golebiowski
- Institute of Chemistry - Nice, UMR 7272 CNRS – Université Côte d’Azur, 06108 Nice cedex, France, Dept. of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, 333, Techno JungAng Daero, HyeongPoong Myeon, Daegu, 711-873, Rep. of Korea
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39
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de March CA, Topin J, Bruguera E, Novikov G, Ikegami K, Matsunami H, Golebiowski J. Odorant Receptor 7D4 Activation Dynamics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201713065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire A. de March
- Institute of Chemistry—Nice UMR 7272 CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur 06108 Nice cedex France
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Duke University Medical Center Durham NC 27710 USA
| | - Jérémie Topin
- Institute of Chemistry—Nice UMR 7272 CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur 06108 Nice cedex France
| | - Elise Bruguera
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Duke University Medical Center Durham NC 27710 USA
| | - Gleb Novikov
- Institute of Chemistry—Nice UMR 7272 CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur 06108 Nice cedex France
| | - Kentaro Ikegami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Duke University Medical Center Durham NC 27710 USA
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Duke University Medical Center Durham NC 27710 USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences Duke University Medical Center Durham NC 27710 USA
| | - Jérôme Golebiowski
- Institute of Chemistry—Nice UMR 7272 CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur 06108 Nice cedex France
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences DGIST 333, Techno JungAng Daero, HyeongPoong Myeon Daegu 711-873 Republic of Korea
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40
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Ryu SE, Shim T, Yi JY, Kim SY, Park SH, Kim SW, Ronnett GV, Moon C. Odorant Receptors Containing Conserved Amino Acid Sequences in Transmembrane Domain 7 Display Distinct Expression Patterns in Mammalian Tissues. Mol Cells 2017; 40:954-965. [PMID: 29179263 PMCID: PMC5750714 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2017.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian genomes are well established, and highly conserved regions within odorant receptors that are unique from other G-protein coupled receptors have been identified. Numerous functional studies have focused on specific conserved amino acids motifs; however, not all conserved motifs have been sufficiently characterized. Here, we identified a highly conserved 18 amino acid sequence motif within transmembrane domain seven (CAS-TM7) which was identified by aligning odorant receptor sequences. Next, we investigated the expression pattern and distribution of this conserved amino acid motif among a broad range of odorant receptors. To examine the localization of odorant receptor proteins, we used a sequence-specific peptide antibody against CAS-TM7 which is specific to odorant receptors across species. The specificity of this peptide antibody in recognizing odorant receptors has been confirmed in a heterologous in vitro system and a rat-based in vivo system. The CAS-TM7 odorant receptors localized with distinct patterns at each region of the olfactory epithelium; septum, endoturbinate and ectoturbinate. To our great interests, we found that the CAS-TM7 odorant receptors are primarily localized to the dorsal region of the olfactory bulb, coinciding with olfactory epithelium-based patterns. Also, these odorant receptors were ectopically expressed in the various non-olfactory tissues in an evolutionary constrained manner between human and rats. This study has characterized the expression patterns of odorant receptors containing particular amino acid motif in transmembrane domain 7, and which led to an intriguing possibility that the conserved motif of odorant receptors can play critical roles in other physiological functions as well as olfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Eun Ryu
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Graduate school, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988,
Korea
| | - Tammy Shim
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Graduate school, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988,
Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Yi
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Graduate school, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988,
Korea
| | - So Yeun Kim
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Graduate school, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988,
Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988,
Korea
| | - Sun Hwa Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul 06591,
Korea
| | - Sung Won Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul 06591,
Korea
| | - Gabriele V. Ronnett
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205,
USA
| | - Cheil Moon
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Graduate school, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988,
Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988,
Korea
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41
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Geithe C, Protze J, Kreuchwig F, Krause G, Krautwurst D. Structural determinants of a conserved enantiomer-selective carvone binding pocket in the human odorant receptor OR1A1. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:4209-4229. [PMID: 28656349 PMCID: PMC11107518 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chirality is a common phenomenon within odorants. Most pairs of enantiomers show only moderate differences in odor quality. One example for enantiomers that are easily discriminated by their odor quality is the carvones: humans significantly distinguish between the spearmint-like (R)-(-)-carvone and caraway-like (S)-(+)-carvone enantiomers. Moreover, for the (R)-(-)-carvone, an anosmia is observed in about 8% of the population, suggesting enantioselective odorant receptors (ORs). With only about 15% de-orphaned human ORs, the lack of OR crystal structures, and few comprehensive studies combining in silico and experimental approaches to elucidate structure-function relations of ORs, knowledge on cognate odorant/OR interactions is still sparse. An adjusted homology modeling approach considering OR-specific proline-caused conformations, odorant docking studies, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and subsequent functional studies with recombinant ORs in a cell-based, real-time luminescence assay revealed 11 amino acid positions to constitute an enantioselective binding pocket necessary for a carvone function in human OR1A1 and murine Olfr43, respectively. Here, we identified enantioselective molecular determinants in both ORs that discriminate between minty and caraway odor. Comparison with orthologs from 36 mammalian species demonstrated a hominid-specific carvone binding pocket with about 100% conservation. Moreover, we identified loss-of-function SNPs associated with the carvone binding pocket of OR1A1. Given carvone enantiomer-specific receptor activation patterns including OR1A1, our data suggest OR1A1 as a candidate receptor for constituting a carvone enantioselective phenotype, which may help to explain mechanisms underlying a (R)-(-)-carvone-specific anosmia in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Geithe
- Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Lebensmittelchemie Leibniz Institut (DFA), Freising, Germany
| | - Jonas Protze
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Kreuchwig
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Krause
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Dietmar Krautwurst
- Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Lebensmittelchemie Leibniz Institut (DFA), Freising, Germany.
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42
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Fierro F, Suku E, Alfonso-Prieto M, Giorgetti A, Cichon S, Carloni P. Agonist Binding to Chemosensory Receptors: A Systematic Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:63. [PMID: 28932739 PMCID: PMC5592726 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human G-protein coupled receptors (hGPCRs) constitute a large and highly pharmaceutically relevant membrane receptor superfamily. About half of the hGPCRs' family members are chemosensory receptors, involved in bitter taste and olfaction, along with a variety of other physiological processes. Hence these receptors constitute promising targets for pharmaceutical intervention. Molecular modeling has been so far the most important tool to get insights on agonist binding and receptor activation. Here we investigate both aspects by bioinformatics-based predictions across all bitter taste and odorant receptors for which site-directed mutagenesis data are available. First, we observe that state-of-the-art homology modeling combined with previously used docking procedures turned out to reproduce only a limited fraction of ligand/receptor interactions inferred by experiments. This is most probably caused by the low sequence identity with available structural templates, which limits the accuracy of the protein model and in particular of the side-chains' orientations. Methods which transcend the limited sampling of the conformational space of docking may improve the predictions. As an example corroborating this, we review here multi-scale simulations from our lab and show that, for the three complexes studied so far, they significantly enhance the predictive power of the computational approach. Second, our bioinformatics analysis provides support to previous claims that several residues, including those at positions 1.50, 2.50, and 7.52, are involved in receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fierro
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Forschungszentrum JülichJülich, Germany
| | - Eda Suku
- Department of Biotechnology, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Forschungszentrum JülichJülich, Germany.,Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University DüsseldorfDüsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Forschungszentrum JülichJülich, Germany.,Department of Biotechnology, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | - Sven Cichon
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-1, Forschungszentrum JülichJülich, Germany.,Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Genomics, Life&Brain Center, University of BonnBonn, Germany.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Computational Biomedicine, Institute for Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Forschungszentrum JülichJülich, Germany.,Department of Physics, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule AachenAachen, Germany.,VNU Key Laboratory "Multiscale Simulation of Complex Systems", VNU University of Science, Vietnam National UniversityHanoi, Vietnam
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43
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Tong T, Ryu SE, Min Y, de March CA, Bushdid C, Golebiowski J, Moon C, Park T. Olfactory receptor 10J5 responding to α-cedrene regulates hepatic steatosis via the cAMP-PKA pathway. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9471. [PMID: 28842679 PMCID: PMC5573314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic expression and functions of odorant receptors (ORs) in the human body have aroused much interest in the past decade. Mouse olfactory receptor 23 (MOR23, olfr16) and its human orthologue, OR10J5, have been found to be functionally expressed in several non-olfactory systems. Here, using MOR23- and OR10J5-expressing Hana3A cells, we identified α-cedrene, a natural compound that protects against hepatic steatosis in mice fed the high-fat diet, as a novel agonist of these receptors. In human hepatocytes, an RNA interference-mediated knockdown of OR10J5 increased intracellular lipid accumulation, along with upregulation of lipogenic genes and downregulation of genes related to fatty acid oxidation. α-Cedrene stimulation resulted in a significant reduction in lipid contents of human hepatocytes and reprogramming of metabolic signatures, which are mediated by OR10J5, as demonstrated by receptor knockdown experiments using RNA interference. Taken together, our findings show a crucial role of OR10J5 in the regulation of lipid accumulation in human hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tong
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, South Korea
| | - Sang Eun Ryu
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 711-873, South Korea
| | - Yeojin Min
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, South Korea
| | - Claire A de March
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice cedex 02, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
| | - Caroline Bushdid
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice cedex 02, France
| | - Jérôme Golebiowski
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 711-873, South Korea
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice cedex 02, France
| | - Cheil Moon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 711-873, South Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 711-873, South Korea
| | - Taesun Park
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, South Korea.
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44
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Structural heterogeneity of the μ-opioid receptor's conformational ensemble in the apo state. Sci Rep 2017; 8:45761. [PMID: 28368046 PMCID: PMC5377942 DOI: 10.1038/srep45761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most pharmaceutically relevant family of membrane proteins. Here, fully unbiased, enhanced sampling simulations of a constitutively active mutant (CAM) of a class A GPCR, the μ-opioid receptor (μOR), demonstrates repeated transitions between the inactive (IS) and active-like (AS-L) states. The interconversion features typical activation/inactivation patterns involving established conformational rearrangements of conserved residues. By contrast, wild-type μOR remains in IS during the same course of simulation, consistent with the low basal activity of the protein. The simulations point to an important role of residue W2936.48 at the "toggle switch" in the mutation-induced constitutive activation. Such role has been already observed for other CAMs of class A GPCRs. We also find a significantly populated intermediate state, rather similar to IS. Based on the remarkable accord between simulations and experiments, we suggest here that this state, which has escaped so far experimental characterization, might constitute an early step in the activation process of the apo μOR CAM.
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45
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Park BB, Lee N, Kim Y, Jae Y, Choi S, Kang N, Hong YR, Ok K, Cho J, Jeon YH, Lee EH, Byun Y, Koo J. Analogues of Dehydroacetic Acid as Selective and Potent Agonists of an Ectopic Odorant Receptor through a Combination of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Interactions. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:477-482. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - NaHye Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; DGIST; Daegu 42988 South Korea
- Department of New Biology; DGIST
| | - YunHye Kim
- College of Pharmacy; Korea University; Sejong 30019 South Korea
| | - YoonGyu Jae
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; DGIST; Daegu 42988 South Korea
- Department of New Biology; DGIST
| | - Seunghyun Choi
- College of Pharmacy; Korea University; Sejong 30019 South Korea
| | | | | | - Kiwon Ok
- College of Pharmacy; Korea University; Sejong 30019 South Korea
| | - Jeonghee Cho
- Department of NanoBio Medical Science; Dankook University; Cheonan 31116 South Korea
| | - Young Ho Jeon
- College of Pharmacy; Korea University; Sejong 30019 South Korea
| | - Eun Hee Lee
- College of Pharmacy; Korea University; Sejong 30019 South Korea
| | - Youngjoo Byun
- College of Pharmacy; Korea University; Sejong 30019 South Korea
| | - JaeHyung Koo
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; DGIST; Daegu 42988 South Korea
- Department of New Biology; DGIST
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46
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Jang S, Hyeon C. Kinetic Model for the Activation of Mammalian Olfactory Receptor. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:1304-1311. [PMID: 28118707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The sense of smell is triggered by binding of odorants to a set of olfactory receptors (ORs), the activation of which generates specific patterns of neuronal signals in olfactory bulbs. Despite a long history of research and speculations, very little is known about the actual mechanism of OR activation. In particular, there is virtually no theoretical framework capable of describing the kinetics of olfactory activation at a quantitative level. Based on the fact that mammalian ORs belong to a class of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and utilizing the information available from recent studies on other types of GPCRs with known structural data, we construct a minimal kinetic model for mammalian olfactory activation, obtaining a new expression for the signal strength as a function of odorant and G-protein concentrations and defining this as odor activity (OA). The parametric dependence of OA on equilibrium dissociation and rate constants provides a new comprehensive means to describe how odorant-OR binding kinetics affects the odor signal, and offers new quantitative criteria for classifying agonistic, partially agonistic, and antagonistic (or inverse agonistic) behavior. The dependence of OA on the concentration of G-proteins also suggests a new experimental method to determine key equilibrium constants for odorant-OR and G-protein-OR association/dissociation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seogjoo Jang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Queens College, City University of New York , 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, New York 11367, United States.,PhD programs in Chemistry and Physics, and Initiative for Theoretical Sciences, Graduate Center, City University of New York , 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Changbong Hyeon
- School of Computational Sciences, Korea Institute for Advanced Study , Hoegiro 85, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02455, Korea
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47
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Lv X, Liu J, Shi Q, Tan Q, Wu D, Skinner JJ, Walker AL, Zhao L, Gu X, Chen N, Xue L, Si P, Zhang L, Wang Z, Katritch V, Liu ZJ, Stevens RC. In vitro expression and analysis of the 826 human G protein-coupled receptors. Protein Cell 2016; 7:325-37. [PMID: 27085723 PMCID: PMC4853319 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-016-0263-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in all human physiological systems where they are responsible for transducing extracellular signals into cells. GPCRs signal in response to a diverse array of stimuli including light, hormones, and lipids, where these signals affect downstream cascades to impact both health and disease states. Yet, despite their importance as therapeutic targets, detailed molecular structures of only 30 GPCRs have been determined to date. A key challenge to their structure determination is adequate protein expression. Here we report the quantification of protein expression in an insect cell expression system for all 826 human GPCRs using two different fusion constructs. Expression characteristics are analyzed in aggregate and among each of the five distinct subfamilies. These data can be used to identify trends related to GPCR expression between different fusion constructs and between different GPCR families, and to prioritize lead candidates for future structure determination feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechen Lv
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Junlin Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qiaoyun Shi
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qiwen Tan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Dong Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - John J Skinner
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Angela L Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Lixia Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiangxiang Gu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Na Chen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Lu Xue
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Pei Si
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zeshi Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
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48
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How Far Does a Receptor Influence Vibrational Properties of an Odorant? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152345. [PMID: 27014869 PMCID: PMC4807836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The biophysical mechanism of the sense of smell, or olfaction, is still highly debated. The mainstream explanation argues for a shape-based recognition of odorant molecules by olfactory receptors, while recent investigations suggest the primary olfactory event to be triggered by a vibrationally-assisted electron transfer reaction. We consider this controversy by studying the influence of a receptor on the vibrational properties of an odorant in atomistic details as the coupling between electronic degrees of freedom of the receptor and the vibrations of the odorant is the key parameter of the vibrationally-assisted electron transfer. Through molecular dynamics simulations we elucidate the binding specificity of a receptor towards acetophenone odorant. The vibrational properties of acetophenone inside the receptor are then studied by the polarizable embedding density functional theory approach, allowing to quantify protein-odorant interactions. Finally, we judge whether the effects of the protein provide any indications towards the existing theories of olfaction.
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49
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50
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Responsiveness of G protein-coupled odorant receptors is partially attributed to the activation mechanism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:14966-71. [PMID: 26627247 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1517510112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals detect and discriminate numerous odors via a large family of G protein-coupled odorant receptors (ORs). However, little is known about the molecular and structural basis underlying OR response properties. Using site-directed mutagenesis and computational modeling, we studied ORs sharing high sequence homology but with different response properties. When tested in heterologous cells by diverse odorants, MOR256-3 responded broadly to many odorants, whereas MOR256-8 responded weakly to a few odorants. Out of 36 mutant MOR256-3 ORs, the majority altered the responses to different odorants in a similar manner and the overall response of an OR was positively correlated with its basal activity, an indication of ligand-independent receptor activation. Strikingly, a single mutation in MOR256-8 was sufficient to confer both high basal activity and broad responsiveness to this receptor. These results suggest that broad responsiveness of an OR is at least partially attributed to its activation likelihood.
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