1
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Jiang K, Zheng Y, Zeng L, Wang L, Li F, Pu J, Lu Y, Zhao S, Xu F. The versatile binding landscape of the TAAR1 pocket for LSD and other antipsychotic drug molecules. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114505. [PMID: 39002128 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing global concerns about psychoactive substance addiction and psychotic disorders highlight the need for comprehensive research into the structure-function relationship governing ligand recognition between these substances and their receptors in the brain. Recent studies indicate the significant involvement of trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) in the signaling regulation of the hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other antipsychotic drugs. This study presents structures of the TAAR1-Gs protein complex recognizing LSD, which exhibits a polypharmacological profile, and the partial agonist RO5263397, which is a drug candidate for schizophrenia and addiction. Moreover, we elucidate the cross-species recognition and partial activation mechanism for TAAR1, which holds promising implications from a drug discovery perspective. Through mutagenesis, functional studies, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we provide a comprehensive understanding of a versatile TAAR1 pocket in recognizing various ligands as well as in the ligand-free state, underpinning the structural basis of its high adaptability. These findings offer valuable insights for the design of antipsychotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Jiang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - You Zheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liting Zeng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Pu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yingli Lu
- Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fei Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Peng Q, Jiang H, Cheng X, Wang N, Zhou S, Zhang Y, Yang T, Chen Y, Zhang W, Lv S, Nan W, Wang J, Fan GH, Li J, Zhang J. Cryo-EM Structure and Biochemical Analysis of the Human Chemokine Receptor CCR8. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38985857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The C-C motif chemokine receptor 8 (CCR8) is a class A G-protein-coupled receptor that has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer and autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we solved the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the human CCR8-Gi complex in the absence of a ligand at 2.58 Å. Structural analysis and comparison revealed that our apo CCR8 structure undergoes some conformational changes and is similar to that in the CCL1-CCR8 complex structure, indicating an active state. In addition, the key residues of CCR8 involved in the recognition of LMD-009, a potent nonpeptide agonist, were investigated by mutating CCR8 and testing the calcium flux induced by LMD-009-CCR8 interaction. Three mutants of CCR8, Y1133.32A, Y1724.64A, and E2867.39A, showed a dramatically decreased ability in mediating calcium mobilization, indicating their key interaction with LMD-009 and key roles in activation. These structural and biochemical analyses enrich molecular insights into the agonism and activation of CCR8 and will facilitate CCR8-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Peng
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Haihai Jiang
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Xinyu Cheng
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Na Wang
- Cobio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 9 Building, Building 16 of SHUWU, No. 73 Tanmi Road, Jiangbei New District, Nanjing 211500, China
| | - Sili Zhou
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yixiang Chen
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Sijia Lv
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Weiwei Nan
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - JianFei Wang
- Executive Office, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., No 10. Lv Zhou Huan Road, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Guo-Huang Fan
- Executive Office, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., No 10. Lv Zhou Huan Road, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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3
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Shihoya W, Iwama A, Sano FK, Nureki O. Cryo-EM advances in GPCR structure determination. J Biochem 2024; 176:1-10. [PMID: 38498911 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a prominent superfamily in humans and are categorized into six classes (A-F) that play indispensable roles in cellular communication and therapeutics. Nonetheless, their structural comprehension has been limited by challenges in high-resolution data acquisition. This review highlights the transformative impact of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) on the structural determinations of GPCR-G-protein complexes. Specific technologies, such as nanobodies and mini-G-proteins, stabilize complexes and facilitate structural determination. We discuss the structural alterations upon receptor activation in different GPCR classes, revealing their diverse mechanisms. This review highlights the robust foundation for comprehending GPCR function and pave the way for future breakthroughs in drug discovery and therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Shihoya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Aika Iwama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Fumiya K Sano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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4
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Lu Y, Hatzipantelis CJ, Langmead CJ, Stewart GD. Molecular insights into orphan G protein-coupled receptors relevant to schizophrenia. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2095-2113. [PMID: 37605621 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia remains a sizable socio-economic burden that continues to be treated with therapeutics based on 70-year old science. All currently approved therapeutics primarily target the dopamine D2 receptor to achieve their efficacy. Whilst dopaminergic dysregulation is a key feature in this disorder, the targeting of dopaminergic machinery has yielded limited efficacy and an appreciable side effect burden. Over the recent decades, numerous drugs that engage non-dopaminergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have yielded a promise of efficacy without the deleterious side effect profile, yet none have successfully completed clinical studies and progressed to the market. More recently, there has been increased attention around non-dopaminergic GPCR-targeting drugs, which demonstrated efficacy in some schizophrenia symptom domains. This provides renewed hope that effective schizophrenia treatment may lie outside of the dopaminergic space. Despite the potential for muscarinic receptor- (and other well-characterised GPCR families) targeting drugs to treat schizophrenia, they are often plagued with complications such as lack of receptor subtype selectivity and peripheral on-target side effects. Orphan GPCR studies have opened a new avenue of exploration with many demonstrating schizophrenia-relevant mechanisms and a favourable expression profile, thus offering potential for novel drug development. This review discusses centrally expressed orphan GPCRs: GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, GPR52, GPR85, GPR88 and GPR139 and their relationship to schizophrenia. We review their expression, signalling mechanisms and cellular function, in conjunction with small molecule development and structural insights. We seek to provide a snapshot of the growing evidence and development potential of new classes of schizophrenia therapeutics. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Christopher J Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Phrenix Therapeutics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gregory D Stewart
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Phrenix Therapeutics, Parkville, Australia
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5
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Szwabowski GL, Griffing M, Mugabe EJ, O'Malley D, Baker LN, Baker DL, Parrill AL. G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Ligand Pose and Functional Class Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6876. [PMID: 38999982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) transmembrane protein family members play essential roles in physiology. Numerous pharmaceuticals target GPCRs, and many drug discovery programs utilize virtual screening (VS) against GPCR targets. Improvements in the accuracy of predicting new molecules that bind to and either activate or inhibit GPCR function would accelerate such drug discovery programs. This work addresses two significant research questions. First, do ligand interaction fingerprints provide a substantial advantage over automated methods of binding site selection for classical docking? Second, can the functional status of prospective screening candidates be predicted from ligand interaction fingerprints using a random forest classifier? Ligand interaction fingerprints were found to offer modest advantages in sampling accurate poses, but no substantial advantage in the final set of top-ranked poses after scoring, and, thus, were not used in the generation of the ligand-receptor complexes used to train and test the random forest classifier. A binary classifier which treated agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists as active and all other ligands as inactive proved highly effective in ligand function prediction in an external test set of GPR31 and TAAR2 candidate ligands with a hit rate of 82.6% actual actives within the set of predicted actives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Makenzie Griffing
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Elijah J Mugabe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Daniel O'Malley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Lindsey N Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Daniel L Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Abby L Parrill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
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6
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Murphy RE, Wang P, Ali S, Smith HR, Felsing DE, Chen H, Zhou J, Allen JA. Discovery of 3-((4-Benzylpyridin-2-yl)amino)benzamides as Potent GPR52 G Protein-Biased Agonists. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9709-9730. [PMID: 38788241 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Orphan GPR52 is emerging as a promising neurotherapeutic target. Optimization of previously reported lead 4a employing an iterative drug design strategy led to the identification of a series of unique GPR52 agonists, such as 10a (PW0677), 15b (PW0729), and 24f (PW0866), with improved potency and efficacy. Intriguingly, compounds 10a and 24f showed greater bias for G protein/cAMP signaling and induced significantly less in vitro desensitization than parent compound 4a, indicating that reducing GPR52 β-arrestin activity with biased agonism results in sustained GPR52 activation. Further exploration of compounds 15b and 24f indicated improved potency and efficacy, and excellent target selectivity, but limited brain exposure warranting further optimization. These balanced and biased GPR52 agonists provide important pharmacological tools to study GPR52 activation, signaling bias, and therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Murphy
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Saghir Ali
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Hudson R Smith
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Daniel E Felsing
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - John A Allen
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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7
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Öz-Arslan D, Yavuz M, Kan B. Exploring orphan GPCRs in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1394516. [PMID: 38895631 PMCID: PMC11183337 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1394516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders represent a significant and growing health burden worldwide. Unfortunately, limited therapeutic options are currently available despite ongoing efforts. Over the past decades, research efforts have increasingly focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these devastating conditions. Orphan receptors, a class of receptors with no known endogenous ligands, emerge as promising druggable targets for diverse diseases. This review aims to direct attention to a subgroup of orphan GPCRs, in particular class A orphans that have roles in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Multiple sclerosis. We highlight the diverse roles orphan receptors play in regulating critical cellular processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal survival and neuro-inflammation. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting orphan receptors for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing recent advances in drug discovery and preclinical studies. Finally, we outline future directions and challenges in orphan receptor research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devrim Öz-Arslan
- Department of Biophysics, Acibadem MAA University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Neurosciences, Acibadem MAA University, Institute of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Melis Yavuz
- Department of Neurosciences, Acibadem MAA University, Institute of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Pharmacology, Acibadem MAA University, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Beki Kan
- Department of Biophysics, Acibadem MAA University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Neurosciences, Acibadem MAA University, Institute of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Türkiye
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8
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Birgül Iyison N, Abboud C, Abboud D, Abdulrahman AO, Bondar AN, Dam J, Georgoussi Z, Giraldo J, Horvat A, Karoussiotis C, Paz-Castro A, Scarpa M, Schihada H, Scholz N, Güvenc Tuna B, Vardjan N. ERNEST COST action overview on the (patho)physiology of GPCRs and orphan GPCRs in the nervous system. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38825750 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of cell surface receptors that play a critical role in nervous system function by transmitting signals between cells and their environment. They are involved in many, if not all, nervous system processes, and their dysfunction has been linked to various neurological disorders representing important drug targets. This overview emphasises the GPCRs of the nervous system, which are the research focus of the members of ERNEST COST action (CA18133) working group 'Biological roles of signal transduction'. First, the (patho)physiological role of the nervous system GPCRs in the modulation of synapse function is discussed. We then debate the (patho)physiology and pharmacology of opioid, acetylcholine, chemokine, melatonin and adhesion GPCRs in the nervous system. Finally, we address the orphan GPCRs, their implication in the nervous system function and disease, and the challenges that need to be addressed to deorphanize them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necla Birgül Iyison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Bogazici, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Clauda Abboud
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Dayana Abboud
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Magurele, Romania
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute for Computational Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9), Jülich, Germany
| | - Julie Dam
- Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anemari Horvat
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christos Karoussiotis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Alba Paz-Castro
- Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs research group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago, Spain
| | - Miriam Scarpa
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannes Schihada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Scholz
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bilge Güvenc Tuna
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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9
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Shen Q, Tang X, Wen X, Cheng S, Xiao P, Zang S, Shen D, Jiang L, Zheng Y, Zhang H, Xu H, Mao C, Zhang M, Hu W, Sun J, Zhang Y, Chen Z. Molecular Determinant Underlying Selective Coupling of Primary G-Protein by Class A GPCRs. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310120. [PMID: 38647423 PMCID: PMC11187927 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit downstream signals predominantly via G-protein pathways. However, the conformational basis of selective coupling of primary G-protein remains elusive. Histamine receptors H2R and H3R couple with Gs- or Gi-proteins respectively. Here, three cryo-EM structures of H2R-Gs and H3R-Gi complexes are presented at a global resolution of 2.6-2.7 Å. These structures reveal the unique binding pose for endogenous histamine in H3R, wherein the amino group interacts with E2065.46 of H3R instead of the conserved D1143.32 of other aminergic receptors. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the H2R-Gs and H3R-Gi complexes reveals that the structural geometry of TM5/TM6 determines the primary G-protein selectivity in histamine receptors. Machine learning (ML)-based structuromic profiling and functional analysis of class A GPCR-G-protein complexes illustrate that TM5 length, TM5 tilt, and TM6 outward movement are key determinants of the Gs and Gi/o selectivity among the whole Class A family. Collectively, the findings uncover the common structural geometry within class A GPCRs that determines the primary Gs- and Gi/o-coupling selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingya Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine IntegrationZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Xinyan Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated HospitalNHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Xin Wen
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteMeili Lake Translational Research ParkCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinan250012China
| | - Shizhuo Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine IntegrationZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
- College of Computer Science and TechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteMeili Lake Translational Research ParkCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinan250012China
| | - Shao‐Kun Zang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine IntegrationZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Dan‐Dan Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine IntegrationZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated HospitalNHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Yanrong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Huibing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine IntegrationZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Haomang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine IntegrationZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Chunyou Mao
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- Department of General SurgerySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310016China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and EquipmentZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310016China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Computer Science and TechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated HospitalNHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Jin‐Peng Sun
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteMeili Lake Translational Research ParkCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinan250012China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityKey Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular ScienceMinistry of EducationBeijing100191China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu LaboratoryHangzhou310058China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine IntegrationZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated HospitalNHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310058China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
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10
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Yokoyama T, Manita S, Uwamori H, Tajiri M, Imayoshi I, Yagishita S, Murayama M, Kitamura K, Sakamoto M. A multicolor suite for deciphering population coding of calcium and cAMP in vivo. Nat Methods 2024; 21:897-907. [PMID: 38514778 PMCID: PMC11093745 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02222-9] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
cAMP is a universal second messenger regulated by various upstream pathways including Ca2+ and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). To decipher in vivo cAMP dynamics, we rationally designed cAMPinG1, a sensitive genetically encoded green cAMP indicator that outperformed its predecessors in both dynamic range and cAMP affinity. Two-photon cAMPinG1 imaging detected cAMP transients in the somata and dendritic spines of neurons in the mouse visual cortex on the order of tens of seconds. In addition, multicolor imaging with a sensitive red Ca2+ indicator RCaMP3 allowed simultaneous measurement of population patterns in Ca2+ and cAMP in hundreds of neurons. We found Ca2+-related cAMP responses that represented specific information, such as direction selectivity in vision and locomotion, as well as GPCR-related cAMP responses. Overall, our multicolor suite will facilitate analysis of the interaction between the Ca2+, GPCR and cAMP signaling at single-cell resolution both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Yokoyama
- Department of Optical Neural and Molecular Physiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Center for Living Systems Information Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Department of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Laboratory of Deconstruction of Stem Cells, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Manita
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Uwamori
- Laboratory for Haptic Perception and Cognitive Physiology, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mio Tajiri
- Department of Structural Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Itaru Imayoshi
- Center for Living Systems Information Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Deconstruction of Stem Cells, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sho Yagishita
- Department of Structural Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Murayama
- Laboratory for Haptic Perception and Cognitive Physiology, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kitamura
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sakamoto
- Department of Optical Neural and Molecular Physiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Center for Living Systems Information Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Department of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Laboratory of Deconstruction of Stem Cells, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kyoto, Japan.
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11
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Zhang M, Chen T, Lu X, Lan X, Chen Z, Lu S. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): advances in structures, mechanisms, and drug discovery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:88. [PMID: 38594257 PMCID: PMC11004190 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01803-6] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of human membrane proteins and an important class of drug targets, play a role in maintaining numerous physiological processes. Agonist or antagonist, orthosteric effects or allosteric effects, and biased signaling or balanced signaling, characterize the complexity of GPCR dynamic features. In this study, we first review the structural advancements, activation mechanisms, and functional diversity of GPCRs. We then focus on GPCR drug discovery by revealing the detailed drug-target interactions and the underlying mechanisms of orthosteric drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the past five years. Particularly, an up-to-date analysis is performed on available GPCR structures complexed with synthetic small-molecule allosteric modulators to elucidate key receptor-ligand interactions and allosteric mechanisms. Finally, we highlight how the widespread GPCR-druggable allosteric sites can guide structure- or mechanism-based drug design and propose prospects of designing bitopic ligands for the future therapeutic potential of targeting this receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xun Lu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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12
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Hoppe N, Harrison S, Hwang SH, Chen Z, Karelina M, Deshpande I, Suomivuori CM, Palicharla VR, Berry SP, Tschaikner P, Regele D, Covey DF, Stefan E, Marks DS, Reiter JF, Dror RO, Evers AS, Mukhopadhyay S, Manglik A. GPR161 structure uncovers the redundant role of sterol-regulated ciliary cAMP signaling in the Hedgehog pathway. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:667-677. [PMID: 38326651 PMCID: PMC11221913 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01223-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR161 plays a central role in development by suppressing Hedgehog signaling. The fundamental basis of how GPR161 is activated remains unclear. Here, we determined a cryogenic-electron microscopy structure of active human GPR161 bound to heterotrimeric Gs. This structure revealed an extracellular loop 2 that occupies the canonical GPCR orthosteric ligand pocket. Furthermore, a sterol that binds adjacent to transmembrane helices 6 and 7 stabilizes a GPR161 conformation required for Gs coupling. Mutations that prevent sterol binding to GPR161 suppress Gs-mediated signaling. These mutants retain the ability to suppress GLI2 transcription factor accumulation in primary cilia, a key function of ciliary GPR161. By contrast, a protein kinase A-binding site in the GPR161 C terminus is critical in suppressing GLI2 ciliary accumulation. Our work highlights how structural features of GPR161 interface with the Hedgehog pathway and sets a foundation to understand the role of GPR161 function in other signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Hoppe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Simone Harrison
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sun-Hee Hwang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Masha Karelina
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ishan Deshpande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carl-Mikael Suomivuori
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vivek R Palicharla
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Samuel P Berry
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philipp Tschaikner
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Regele
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Debora S Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy F Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ron O Dror
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alex S Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Saikat Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Aashish Manglik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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13
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Shin J, Park J, Jeong J, Lam JH, Qiu X, Wu D, Kim K, Lee JY, Robinson CV, Hyun J, Katritch V, Kim KP, Cho Y. Constitutive activation mechanism of a class C GPCR. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:678-687. [PMID: 38332368 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Class C G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are activated through binding of agonists to the large extracellular domain (ECD) followed by rearrangement of the transmembrane domains (TMDs). GPR156, a class C orphan GPCR, is unique because it lacks an ECD and exhibits constitutive activity. Impaired GPR156-Gi signaling contributes to loss of hearing. Here we present the cryo-electron microscopy structures of human GPR156 in the Go-free and Go-coupled states. We found that an endogenous phospholipid molecule is located within each TMD of the GPR156 dimer. Asymmetric binding of Gα to the phospholipid-bound GPR156 dimer restructures the first and second intracellular loops and the carboxy-terminal part of the elongated transmembrane 7 (TM7) without altering dimer conformation. Our findings reveal that GPR156 is a transducer for phospholipid signaling. Constant binding of abundant phospholipid molecules and the G-protein-induced reshaping of the cytoplasmic face provide a basis for the constitutive activation of GPR156.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Shin
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyeon Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Jeong
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Jordy Homing Lam
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Bridge Institute and Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xingyu Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kuglae Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Youn Lee
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Carol V Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jaekyung Hyun
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Bridge Institute and Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Kyung Hee Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yunje Cho
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Medical Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Smith NJ, Murray F. Shifting our perspective on orphan G protein-coupled receptors. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:582-583. [PMID: 38565695 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Orphan Receptor Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Fiona Murray
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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15
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Ali S, Wang P, Murphy RE, Allen JA, Zhou J. Orphan GPR52 as an emerging neurotherapeutic target. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103922. [PMID: 38387741 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103922] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
GPR52 is a highly conserved, brain-enriched, Gs/olf-coupled orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that controls various cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent physiological and pathological processes. Stimulation of GPR52 activity might be beneficial for the treatment of schizophrenia, psychiatric disorders and other human neurological diseases, whereas inhibition of its activity might provide a potential therapeutic approach for Huntington's disease. Excitingly, HTL0048149 (HTL'149), an orally available GPR52 agonist, has been advanced into phase I human clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia. In this concise review, we summarize the current understanding of GPR52 receptor distribution as well as its structure and functions, highlighting the recent advances in drug discovery efforts towards small-molecule GPR52 ligands. The opportunities and challenges presented by targeting GPR52 for novel therapeutics are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Ali
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ryan E Murphy
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - John A Allen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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16
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Russell I, Zhang X, Bumbak F, McNeill SM, Josephs TM, Leeming MG, Christopoulos G, Venugopal H, Flocco MM, Sexton PM, Wootten D, Belousoff MJ. Lipid-Dependent Activation of the Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor, GPR3. Biochemistry 2024; 63:625-631. [PMID: 38376112 PMCID: PMC10919283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The class A orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), GPR3, has been implicated in a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's and premature ovarian failure. GPR3 constitutively couples with Gαs, resulting in the production of cAMP in cells. While tool compounds and several putative endogenous ligands have emerged for the receptor, its endogenous ligand, if it exists, remains a mystery. As novel potential drug targets, the structures of orphan GPCRs have been of increasing interest, revealing distinct modes of activation, including autoactivation, presence of constitutively activating mutations, or via cryptic ligands. Here, we present a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the orphan GPCR, GPR3 in complex with DNGαs and Gβ1γ2. The structure revealed clear density for a lipid-like ligand that bound within an extended hydrophobic groove, suggesting that the observed "constitutive activity" was likely due to activation via a lipid that may be ubiquitously present. Analysis of conformational variance within the cryo-EM data set revealed twisting motions of the GPR3 transmembrane helices that appeared coordinated with changes in the lipid-like density. We propose a mechanism for the binding of a lipid to its putative orthosteric binding pocket linked to the GPR3 dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella
C. Russell
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins,
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Xin Zhang
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins,
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Fabian Bumbak
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins,
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Samantha M. McNeill
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Tracy M. Josephs
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins,
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Michael G. Leeming
- Bio21
Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, Melbourne Mass Spectrometry
and Proteomics Facility, The University
of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - George Christopoulos
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Hariprasad Venugopal
- Ramaciotti
Centre for Cryo Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria Australia
| | - Maria M. Flocco
- Mechanistic
and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB20AA, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick M. Sexton
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins,
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Denise Wootten
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins,
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Matthew J. Belousoff
- Drug
Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins,
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
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17
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Xiong Y, Xu Z, Li X, Wang Y, Zhao J, Wang N, Duan Y, Xia R, Han Z, Qian Y, Liang J, Zhang A, Guo C, Inoue A, Xia Y, Chen Z, He Y. Identification of oleic acid as an endogenous ligand of GPR3. Cell Res 2024; 34:232-244. [PMID: 38287117 PMCID: PMC10907358 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-024-00932-5] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Although GPR3 plays pivotal roles in both the nervous system and metabolic processes, such as cold-induced thermogenesis, its endogenous ligand remains elusive. Here, by combining structural approach (including cryo-electron microscopy), mass spectrometry analysis, and functional studies, we identify oleic acid (OA) as an endogenous ligand of GPR3. Our study reveals a hydrophobic tunnel within GPR3 that connects the extracellular side of the receptor to the middle of plasma membrane, enabling fatty acids to readily engage the receptor. Functional studies demonstrate that OA triggers downstream Gs signaling, whereas lysophospholipids fail to activate the receptor. Moreover, our research reveals that cold stimulation induces the secretion of OA in mice, subsequently activating Gs/cAMP/PKA signaling in brown adipose tissue. Notably, brown adipose tissues from Gpr3 knockout mice do not respond to OA during cold stimulation, reinforcing the significance of GPR3 in this process. Finally, we propose a "born to be activated and cold to enhance" model for GPR3 activation. Our study provides a starting framework for the understanding of GPR3 signaling in cold-stimulated thermogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjie Xiong
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhenmei Xu
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinzhi Li
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yuqin Wang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Wang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yaning Duan
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ruixue Xia
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhengbin Han
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Qian
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiale Liang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Anqi Zhang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Changyou Guo
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yu Xia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Matter Behave in Space Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yuanzheng He
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Matter Behave in Space Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
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18
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Chen G, Staffen N, Wu Z, Xu X, Pan J, Inoue A, Shi T, Gmeiner P, Du Y, Xu J. Structural and functional characterization of the endogenous agonist for orphan receptor GPR3. Cell Res 2024; 34:262-265. [PMID: 38287118 PMCID: PMC10907609 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00919-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Nico Staffen
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zhangsong Wu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinheng Pan
- Mass Spectrometry & Metabolomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tingyi Shi
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jun Xu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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19
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Jobe A, Vijayan R. Orphan G protein-coupled receptors: the ongoing search for a home. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1349097. [PMID: 38495099 PMCID: PMC10941346 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1349097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) make up the largest receptor superfamily, accounting for 4% of protein-coding genes. Despite the prevalence of such transmembrane receptors, a significant number remain orphans, lacking identified endogenous ligands. Since their conception, the reverse pharmacology approach has been used to characterize such receptors. However, the multifaceted and nuanced nature of GPCR signaling poses a great challenge to their pharmacological elucidation. Considering their therapeutic relevance, the search for native orphan GPCR ligands continues. Despite limited structural input in terms of 3D crystallized structures, with advances in machine-learning approaches, there has been great progress with respect to accurate ligand prediction. Though such an approach proves valuable given that ligand scarcity is the greatest hurdle to orphan GPCR deorphanization, the future pairings of the remaining orphan GPCRs may not necessarily take a one-size-fits-all approach but should be more comprehensive in accounting for numerous nuanced possibilities to cover the full spectrum of GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie Jobe
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ranjit Vijayan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- The Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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20
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Cong Z, Zhao F, Li Y, Luo G, Mai Y, Chen X, Chen Y, Lin S, Cai X, Zhou Q, Yang D, Wang MW. Molecular features of the ligand-free GLP-1R, GCGR and GIPR in complex with G s proteins. Cell Discov 2024; 10:18. [PMID: 38346960 PMCID: PMC10861504 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Class B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important regulators of many physiological functions such as glucose homeostasis, which is mainly mediated by three peptide hormones, i.e., glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon (GCG), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). They trigger a cascade of signaling events leading to the formation of an active agonist-receptor-G protein complex. However, intracellular signal transducers can also activate the receptor independent of extracellular stimuli, suggesting an intrinsic role of G proteins in this process. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), GCG receptor (GCGR), and GIP receptor (GIPR) in complex with Gs proteins without the presence of cognate ligands. These ligand-free complexes share a similar intracellular architecture to those bound by endogenous peptides, in which, the Gs protein alone directly opens the intracellular binding cavity and rewires the extracellular orthosteric pocket to stabilize the receptor in a state unseen before. While the peptide-binding site is partially occupied by the inward folded transmembrane helix 6 (TM6)-extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) juncture of GIPR or a segment of GCGR ECL2, the extracellular portion of GLP-1R adopts a conformation close to the active state. Our findings offer valuable insights into the distinct activation mechanisms of these three important receptors. It is possible that in the absence of a ligand, the intracellular half of transmembrane domain is mobilized with the help of Gs protein, which in turn rearranges the extracellular half to form a transitional conformation, facilitating the entry of the peptide N-terminus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaotong Cong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Li
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Mai
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Xianyue Chen
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Shi Lin
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingtong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China.
| | - Dehua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China.
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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21
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Scharf MM, Humphrys LJ, Berndt S, Di Pizio A, Lehmann J, Liebscher I, Nicoli A, Niv MY, Peri L, Schihada H, Schulte G. The dark sides of the GPCR tree - research progress on understudied GPCRs. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38339984 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A large portion of the human GPCRome is still in the dark and understudied, consisting even of entire subfamilies of GPCRs such as odorant receptors, class A and C orphans, adhesion GPCRs, Frizzleds and taste receptors. However, it is undeniable that these GPCRs bring an untapped therapeutic potential that should be explored further. Open questions on these GPCRs span diverse topics such as deorphanisation, the development of tool compounds and tools for studying these GPCRs, as well as understanding basic signalling mechanisms. This review gives an overview of the current state of knowledge for each of the diverse subfamilies of understudied receptors regarding their physiological relevance, molecular mechanisms, endogenous ligands and pharmacological tools. Furthermore, it identifies some of the largest knowledge gaps that should be addressed in the foreseeable future and lists some general strategies that might be helpful in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena M Scharf
- Karolinska Institutet, Dept. Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura J Humphrys
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Berndt
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Juliane Lehmann
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Liebscher
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alessandro Nicoli
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Masha Y Niv
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lior Peri
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hannes Schihada
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Karolinska Institutet, Dept. Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Power ME, Fernandez NR, Oni OP, Kalia A, Rourke JL. The non-nutritive sweetener sucralose increases β-arrestin signaling at the constitutively active orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR52. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 102:116-127. [PMID: 37748201 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Non-nutritive sweeteners are popular food additives owing to their low caloric density and powerful sweetness relative to natural sugars. Their lack of metabolism contributes to evidence proclaiming their safety, yet several studies contradict this, demonstrating that sweeteners activate sweet taste G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and elicit deleterious metabolic functions through unknown mechanisms. We hypothesize that activation of GPCRs, particularly orphan receptors due to their abundance in metabolically active tissues, contributes to the biological activity of sweeteners. We quantified the response of 64 orphans to the sweeteners saccharin and sucralose using a high-throughput β-arrestin-2 recruitment assay (PRESTO-Tango). GPR52 was the sole receptor that significantly responded to a mixture of sucralose and saccharin. Subsequent experiments revealed sucralose as the activating sweetener. Activation of GPR52 was concentration-dependent, with an EC50 of 0.23 mmol/L and an Emax of 3.43 ± 0.24 fold change at 4 mmol/L. GPR52 constitutively activates CRE pathways; however, we show that sucralose-induced activation of GPR52 does not further activate this pathway. Identification of this novel sucralose-GPCR interaction supports the notion that sucralose elicits off-target signaling through the activation of GPR52, calling into question sucralose's assumed lack of bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline E Power
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | - Nicholas R Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | - Olaiya Peter Oni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | - Aditaya Kalia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | - Jillian L Rourke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
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23
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Zhang Z, Lin X, Wei L, Wu Y, Xu L, Wu L, Wei X, Zhao S, Zhu X, Xu F. A framework for Frizzled-G protein coupling and implications to the PCP signaling pathways. Cell Discov 2024; 10:3. [PMID: 38182578 PMCID: PMC10770037 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00627-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The ten Frizzled receptors (FZDs) are essential in Wnt signaling and play important roles in embryonic development and tumorigenesis. Among these, FZD6 is closely associated with lens development. Understanding FZD activation mechanism is key to unlock these emerging targets. Here we present the cryo-EM structures of FZD6 and FZD3 which are known to relay non-canonical planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathways as well as FZD1 in their G protein-coupled states and in the apo inactive states, respectively. Comparison of the three inactive/active pairs unveiled a shared activation framework among all ten FZDs. Mutagenesis along with imaging and functional analysis on the human lens epithelial tissues suggested potential crosstalk between the G-protein coupling of FZD6 and the PCP signaling pathways. Together, this study provides an integrated understanding of FZD structure and function, and lays the foundation for developing therapeutic modulators to activate or inhibit FZD signaling for a range of disorders including cancers and cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Lin
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohu Wei
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangjia Zhu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fei Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China.
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24
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Choi C, Bae J, Kim S, Lee S, Kang H, Kim J, Bang I, Kim K, Huh WK, Seok C, Park H, Im W, Choi HJ. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of odorant binding and activation of the human OR52 family. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8105. [PMID: 38062020 PMCID: PMC10703812 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43983-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural and mechanistic studies on human odorant receptors (ORs), key in olfactory signaling, are challenging because of their low surface expression in heterologous cells. The recent structure of OR51E2 bound to propionate provided molecular insight into odorant recognition, but the lack of an inactive OR structure limited understanding of the activation mechanism of ORs upon odorant binding. Here, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy structures of consensus OR52 (OR52cs), a representative of the OR52 family, in the ligand-free (apo) and octanoate-bound states. The apo structure of OR52cs reveals a large opening between transmembrane helices (TMs) 5 and 6. A comparison between the apo and active structures of OR52cs demonstrates the inward and outward movements of the extracellular and intracellular segments of TM6, respectively. These results, combined with molecular dynamics simulations and signaling assays, shed light on the molecular mechanisms of odorant binding and activation of the OR52 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulwon Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungnam Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghan Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Seho Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunook Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinuk Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Injin Bang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiheon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Huh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaok Seok
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hahnbeom Park
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonpil Im
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Hee-Jung Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Cheng L, Xia F, Li Z, Shen C, Yang Z, Hou H, Sun S, Feng Y, Yong X, Tian X, Qin H, Yan W, Shao Z. Structure, function and drug discovery of GPCR signaling. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:46. [PMID: 38047990 PMCID: PMC10695916 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00156-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are versatile and vital proteins involved in a wide array of physiological processes and responses, such as sensory perception (e.g., vision, taste, and smell), immune response, hormone regulation, and neurotransmission. Their diverse and essential roles in the body make them a significant focus for pharmaceutical research and drug development. Currently, approximately 35% of marketed drugs directly target GPCRs, underscoring their prominence as therapeutic targets. Recent advances in structural biology have substantially deepened our understanding of GPCR activation mechanisms and interactions with G-protein and arrestin signaling pathways. This review offers an in-depth exploration of both traditional and recent methods in GPCR structure analysis. It presents structure-based insights into ligand recognition and receptor activation mechanisms and delves deeper into the mechanisms of canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways downstream of GPCRs. Furthermore, it highlights recent advancements in GPCR-related drug discovery and development. Particular emphasis is placed on GPCR selective drugs, allosteric and biased signaling, polyphamarcology, and antibody drugs. Our goal is to provide researchers with a thorough and updated understanding of GPCR structure determination, signaling pathway investigation, and drug development. This foundation aims to propel forward-thinking therapeutic approaches that target GPCRs, drawing upon the latest insights into GPCR ligand selectivity, activation, and biased signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cheng
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ziyan Li
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chenglong Shen
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqian Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanlin Hou
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Suyue Sun
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuying Feng
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xihao Yong
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaowen Tian
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongxi Qin
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Frontiers Medical Center, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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26
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Gupta H, Sahi S. High-throughput virtual screening of potential inhibitors of GPR52 using docking and biased sampling method for Huntington's disease therapy. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10763-y. [PMID: 38038795 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by polyglutamine (poly-Q) mutations of the huntingtin (HTT) gene resulting in chorea, cognitive, and psychiatric dysfunctions. Being a monogenic condition, reducing the levels of the mutated huntingtin protein (mHTT) holds promise as an effective therapeutic approach. GPR52, an orphan G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), enriched in the striatum, is a novel target for slowing down the progression of HD by lowering the mHTT levels. Therefore, the study focuses on identifying potent small-molecule inhibitors for GPR52 using a combination of robust high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) and pharmacokinetics profiling followed by fast pulling of ligand (FPL) and umbrella sampling (US) simulations. Initially, screening a library of 2,36,545 compounds was done against the binding pocket of GPR52. Based on binding affinity, stereochemical and non-bonded interactions, and pharmacokinetic profiling, 50 compounds were shortlisted. Selected hit compounds 1, 2, and 3 were subjected to FPL simulations with applied external bias potential to investigate their unique dissociation pathways and intermolecular interactions over time. Subsequently, the US simulations were performed on the selected hit compounds to estimate their binding free energy (ΔG). The analysis of the trajectories obtained from simulations revealed that the residues TYR34, TYR185, GLY187, ASP188, ILE189, SER299, PHE300, and THR303 within the active site of GPR52 were significant for efficient ligand binding through the formation of various hydrogen bond interactions and hydrophobic contacts. Out of the three hit compounds, compound 3 had the lowest ΔG of - 20.82 ± 0.44 kcal/mol. The study identified compounds 1, 2, and 3 as potential molecules that can be developed as GPR52 inhibitors holding promise for lowering mHTT levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshi Gupta
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201312, India
| | - Shakti Sahi
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201312, India.
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27
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Zhu S, Yuan Q, Li X, He X, Shen S, Wang D, Li J, Cheng X, Duan X, Xu HE, Duan J. Molecular recognition of niacin and lipid-lowering drugs by the human hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113406. [PMID: 37952153 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Niacin, an age-old lipid-lowering drug, acts through the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2), a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Yet, its use is hindered by side effects like skin flushing. To address this, specific HCAR2 agonists, like MK-6892 and GSK256073, with fewer adverse effects have been created. However, the activation mechanism of HCAR2 by niacin and these new agonists is not well understood. Here, we present three cryoelectron microscopy structures of Gi-coupled HCAR2 bound to niacin, MK-6892, and GSK256073. Our findings show that different ligands induce varying binding pockets in HCAR2, influenced by aromatic amino acid clusters (W91ECL1, H1614.59, W1885.38, H1895.39, and F1935.43) from receptors ECL1, TM4, and TM5. Additionally, conserved residues R1113.36 and Y2847.43, unique to the HCA receptor family, likely initiate activation signal propagation in HCAR2. This study provides insights into ligand recognition, receptor activation, and G protein coupling mediated by HCAR2, laying the groundwork for developing HCAR2-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Pharmacology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Qingning Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinzhu Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shiyi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dongxue Wang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Junrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute of Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqun Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; Department of Pharmacology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China.
| | - H Eric Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Jia Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China.
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28
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Pan X, Ye F, Ning P, Zhang Z, Li X, Zhang B, Wang Q, Chen G, Gao W, Qiu C, Wu Z, Li J, Zhu L, Xia J, Gong K, Du Y. Structural insights into ligand recognition and selectivity of the human hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor HCAR2. Cell Discov 2023; 9:118. [PMID: 38012147 PMCID: PMC10682194 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2) belongs to the family of class A G protein-coupled receptors with key roles in regulating lipolysis and free fatty acid formation in humans. It is deeply involved in many pathophysiological processes and serves as an attractive target for the treatment of cardiovascular, neoplastic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. Here, we report four cryo-EM structures of human HCAR2-Gi1 complexes with or without agonists, including the drugs niacin (2.69 Å) and acipimox (3.23 Å), the highly subtype-specific agonist MK-6892 (3.25 Å), and apo form (3.28 Å). Combined with molecular dynamics simulation and functional analysis, we have revealed the recognition mechanism of HCAR2 for different agonists and summarized the general pharmacophore features of HCAR2 agonists, which are based on three key residues R1113.36, S17945.52, and Y2847.43. Notably, the MK-6892-HCAR2 structure shows an extended binding pocket relative to other agonist-bound HCAR2 complexes. In addition, the key residues that determine the ligand selectivity between the HCAR2 and HCAR3 are also illuminated. Our findings provide structural insights into the ligand recognition, selectivity, activation, and G protein coupling mechanism of HCAR2, which shed light on the design of new HCAR2-targeting drugs for greater efficacy, higher selectivity, and fewer or no side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Pan
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Cardiology, Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Ye
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiruo Ning
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Binghao Zhang
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhangsong Wu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiancheng Li
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lizhe Zhu
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Kaizheng Gong
- Department of Cardiology, Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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29
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Wu Z, Han Z, Tao L, Sun X, Su J, Hu J, Li C. Dynamic Insights into the Self-Activation Pathway and Allosteric Regulation of the Orphan G-Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR52. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5847-5862. [PMID: 37651308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00672] [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: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Within over 800 members of G-protein-coupled receptors, there are numerous orphan receptors whose endogenous ligands are largely unknown, providing many opportunities for novel drug discovery. However, the lack of an in-depth understanding of the intrinsic working mechanism for orphan receptors severely limits the related rational drug design. The G-protein-coupled receptor 52 (GPR52) is a unique orphan receptor that constitutively increases cellular 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels without binding any exogenous agonists and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for central nervous system disorders. Although recent structural biology studies have provided snapshots of both active and inactive states of GPR52, the mechanism of the conformational transition between these states remains unclear. Here, an acceptable self-activation pathway for GPR52 was proposed through 6 μs Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations, in which the receptor spontaneously transitions from the active state to that matching the inactive crystal structure. According to the three intermediate states of the receptor obtained by constructing a reweighted potential of mean force, how the allosteric regulation occurs between the extracellular orthosteric binding pocket and the intracellular G-protein-binding site is revealed. Combined with the independent gradient model, several important microswitch residues and the allosteric communication pathway that directly links the two regions are both identified. Transfer entropy calculations not only reveal the complex allosteric signaling within GPR52 but also confirm the unique role of ECL2 in allosteric regulation, which is mutually validated with the results of GaMD simulations. Overall, this work elucidates the allosteric mechanism of GPR52 at the atomic level, providing the most detailed information to date on the self-activation of the orphan receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Wu
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhongjie Han
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Lianci Tao
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingjie Su
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Chunhua Li
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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30
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Lees JA, Dias JM, Rajamohan F, Fortin JP, O'Connor R, Kong JX, Hughes EAG, Fisher EL, Tuttle JB, Lovett G, Kormos BL, Unwalla RJ, Zhang L, Dechert Schmitt AM, Zhou D, Moran M, Stevens KA, Fennell KF, Varghese AE, Maxwell A, Cote EE, Zhang Y, Han S. An inverse agonist of orphan receptor GPR61 acts by a G protein-competitive allosteric mechanism. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5938. [PMID: 37741852 PMCID: PMC10517971 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR61 is an orphan GPCR related to biogenic amine receptors. Its association with phenotypes relating to appetite makes it of interest as a druggable target to treat disorders of metabolism and body weight, such as obesity and cachexia. To date, the lack of structural information or a known biological ligand or tool compound has hindered comprehensive efforts to study GPR61 structure and function. Here, we report a structural characterization of GPR61, in both its active-like complex with heterotrimeric G protein and in its inactive state. Moreover, we report the discovery of a potent and selective small-molecule inverse agonist against GPR61 and structural elucidation of its allosteric binding site and mode of action. These findings offer mechanistic insights into an orphan GPCR while providing both a structural framework and tool compound to support further studies of GPR61 function and modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Lees
- Discovery Sciences, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - João M Dias
- Discovery Sciences, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Rebecca O'Connor
- Discovery Sciences, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Jimmy X Kong
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily A G Hughes
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ethan L Fisher
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Jamison B Tuttle
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Lovett
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bethany L Kormos
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Lei Zhang
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Dahui Zhou
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Michael Moran
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Maxwell
- Discovery Sciences, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Emmaline E Cote
- Discovery Sciences, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Internal Medicine, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Seungil Han
- Discovery Sciences, Medicine Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA.
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31
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Nie Y, Qiu Z, Chen S, Chen Z, Song X, Ma Y, Huang N, Cyster JG, Zheng S. Specific binding of GPR174 by endogenous lysophosphatidylserine leads to high constitutive G s signaling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5901. [PMID: 37737235 PMCID: PMC10516915 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Many orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain understudied because their endogenous ligands are unknown. Here, we show that a group of class A/rhodopsin-like orphan GPCRs including GPR61, GPR161 and GPR174 increase the cAMP level similarly to fully activated D1 dopamine receptor (D1R). We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the GPR61‒Gs, GPR161‒Gs and GPR174‒Gs complexes without any exogenous ligands. The GPR174 structure reveals that endogenous lysophosphatidylserine (lysoPS) is copurified. While GPR174 fails to respond to exogenous lysoPS, likely owing to its maximal activation by the endogenous ligand, GPR174 mutants with lower ligand binding affinities can be specifically activated by lysoPS but not other lipids, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, GPR174 adopts a non-canonical Gs coupling mode. The structures of GPR161 and GPR61 reveal that the second extracellular loop (ECL2) penetrates into the orthosteric pocket, possibly contributing to constitutive activity. Our work definitively confirms lysoPS as an endogenous GPR174 ligand and suggests that high constitutive activity of some orphan GPCRs could be accounted for by their having naturally abundant ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Nie
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Zeming Qiu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Sijia Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaocui Song
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ma
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Niu Huang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Jason G Cyster
- HHMI, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sanduo Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China.
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
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32
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Bolinger AA, Frazier A, La JH, Allen JA, Zhou J. Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR37 as an Emerging Therapeutic Target. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3318-3334. [PMID: 37676000 PMCID: PMC11144446 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00479] [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] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are successful druggable targets, making up around 35% of all FDA-approved medications. However, a large number of receptors remain orphaned, with no known endogenous ligand, representing a challenging but untapped area to discover new therapeutic targets. Among orphan GPCRs (oGPCRs) of interest, G protein-coupled receptor 37 (GPR37) is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the spinal cord and oligodendrocytes. While its cellular signaling mechanisms and endogenous receptor ligands remain elusive, GPR37 has been implicated in several important neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease (PD), inflammation, pain, autism, and brain tumors. GPR37 structure, signaling, emerging physiology, and pharmacology are reviewed while integrating a discussion on potential therapeutic indications and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Bolinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew Frazier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jun-Ho La
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - John A. Allen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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33
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Wang P, Lv L, Li H, Wang CY, Zhou J. Opportunities and challenges in drug discovery targeting the orphan receptor GPR12. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103698. [PMID: 37422169 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptor 12 (GPR12) is a brain-specific expression orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (oGPCR) that regulates various physiological processes. It is an emerging therapeutic target for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia, as well as other human diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and metabolic disorders. GPR12 remains a less extensively investigated oGPCR, particularly in terms of its biological functions, signaling pathways, and ligand discovery. The discovery of drug-like small-molecule modulators to probe the brain functions of GPR12 or to act as a potential drug candidates, as well as the identification of reliable biomarkers, are vital to elucidate the roles of this receptor in various human diseases and develop novel target-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity Ministry of Education, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Ling Lv
- Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity Ministry of Education, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity Ministry of Education, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity Ministry of Education, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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34
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Sadee W. Ligand-Free Signaling of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Genetics. Molecules 2023; 28:6375. [PMID: 37687205 PMCID: PMC10489045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous sensors and regulators of cellular functions. Each GPCR exists in complex aggregates with multiple resting and active conformations. Designed to detect weak stimuli, GPCRs can also activate spontaneously, resulting in basal ligand-free signaling. Agonists trigger a cascade of events leading to an activated agonist-receptor G-protein complex with high agonist affinity. However, the ensuing signaling process can further remodel the receptor complex to reduce agonist affinity, causing rapid ligand dissociation. The acutely activated ligand-free receptor can continue signaling, as proposed for rhodopsin and μ opioid receptors, resulting in robust receptor activation at low agonist occupancy with enhanced agonist potency. Continued receptor stimulation can further modify the receptor complex, regulating sustained ligand-free signaling-proposed to play a role in opioid dependence. Basal, acutely agonist-triggered, and sustained elevated ligand-free signaling could each have distinct functions, reflecting multi-state conformations of GPCRs. This review addresses basal and stimulus-activated ligand-free signaling, its regulation, genetic factors, and pharmacological implications, focusing on opioid and serotonin receptors, and the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). The hypothesis is proposed that ligand-free signaling of 5-HT2A receptors mediate therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs. Research avenues are suggested to close the gaps in our knowledge of ligand-free GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Sadee
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Aether Therapeutics Inc., Austin, TX 78756, USA
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35
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Erlandson SC, Rawson S, Osei-Owusu J, Brock KP, Liu X, Paulo JA, Mintseris J, Gygi SP, Marks DS, Cong X, Kruse AC. The relaxin receptor RXFP1 signals through a mechanism of autoinhibition. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1013-1021. [PMID: 37081311 PMCID: PMC10530065 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01321-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) is the receptor for relaxin-2, an important regulator of reproductive and cardiovascular physiology. RXFP1 is a multi-domain G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with an ectodomain consisting of a low-density lipoprotein receptor class A (LDLa) module and leucine-rich repeats. The mechanism of RXFP1 signal transduction is clearly distinct from that of other GPCRs, but remains very poorly understood. In the present study, we determine the cryo-electron microscopy structure of active-state human RXFP1, bound to a single-chain version of the endogenous agonist relaxin-2 and the heterotrimeric Gs protein. Evolutionary coupling analysis and structure-guided functional experiments reveal that RXFP1 signals through a mechanism of autoinhibition. Our results explain how an unusual GPCR family functions, providing a path to rational drug development targeting the relaxin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Erlandson
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shaun Rawson
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Osei-Owusu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelly P Brock
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julian Mintseris
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Debora S Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaojing Cong
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrew C Kruse
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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36
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Hoppe N, Harrison S, Hwang SH, Chen Z, Karelina M, Deshpande I, Suomivuori CM, Palicharla VR, Berry SP, Tschaikner P, Regele D, Covey DF, Stefan E, Marks DS, Reiter J, Dror RO, Evers AS, Mukhopadhyay S, Manglik A. GPR161 structure uncovers the redundant role of sterol-regulated ciliary cAMP signaling in the Hedgehog pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.23.540554. [PMID: 37292845 PMCID: PMC10245861 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.540554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR161 is enriched in primary cilia, where it plays a central role in suppressing Hedgehog signaling1. GPR161 mutations lead to developmental defects and cancers2,3,4. The fundamental basis of how GPR161 is activated, including potential endogenous activators and pathway-relevant signal transducers, remains unclear. To elucidate GPR161 function, we determined a cryogenic-electron microscopy structure of active GPR161 bound to the heterotrimeric G protein complex Gs. This structure revealed an extracellular loop 2 that occupies the canonical GPCR orthosteric ligand pocket. Furthermore, we identify a sterol that binds to a conserved extrahelical site adjacent to transmembrane helices 6 and 7 and stabilizes a GPR161 conformation required for Gs coupling. Mutations that prevent sterol binding to GPR161 suppress cAMP pathway activation. Surprisingly, these mutants retain the ability to suppress GLI2 transcription factor accumulation in cilia, a key function of ciliary GPR161 in Hedgehog pathway suppression. By contrast, a protein kinase A-binding site in the GPR161 C-terminus is critical in suppressing GLI2 ciliary accumulation. Our work highlights how unique structural features of GPR161 interface with the Hedgehog pathway and sets a foundation to understand the broader role of GPR161 function in other signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Hoppe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Simone Harrison
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sun-Hee Hwang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Masha Karelina
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ishan Deshpande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carl-Mikael Suomivuori
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vivek R. Palicharla
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Samuel P. Berry
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philipp Tschaikner
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck; Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Dominik Regele
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck; Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Debora S. Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Ron O. Dror
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alex S. Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Saikat Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 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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37
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Wong TS, Li G, Li S, Gao W, Chen G, Gan S, Zhang M, Li H, Wu S, Du Y. G protein-coupled receptors in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:177. [PMID: 37137892 PMCID: PMC10154768 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01427-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are multifactorial disorders with diverse aetiological factors. Identifying treatment targets is challenging because the diseases are resulting from heterogeneous biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the increasing understanding of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) opens a new possibility in drug discovery. Harnessing our knowledge of molecular mechanisms and structural information of GPCRs will be advantageous for developing effective drugs. This review provides an overview of the role of GPCRs in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Besides, we highlight the emerging opportunities of novel GPCR targets and address recent progress in GPCR drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thian-Sze Wong
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Guangzhi Li
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, 518000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiyi Gan
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Manzhan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China.
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China.
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, 518000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, 518116, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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38
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Poulter S, Austin N, Armstrong R, Barnes M, Bucknell SJ, Higueruelo A, Banerjee J, Mead A, Mould R, MacSweeney C, O’Brien MA, Stott LA, Watson SP. The Identification of GPR52 Agonist HTL0041178, a Potential Therapy for Schizophrenia and Related Psychiatric Disorders. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:499-505. [PMID: 37077397 PMCID: PMC10107915 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
HTL0041178 (1), a potent GPR52 agonist with a promising pharmacokinetic profile and exhibiting oral activity in preclinical models, has been identified. This molecule was the outcome of a judicious molecular property-based optimization approach, focusing on balancing potency against metabolic stability, solubility, permeability, and P-gp efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Poulter
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Austin
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Armstrong
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Barnes
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Joanne Bucknell
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Higueruelo
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Joydeep Banerjee
- Syngene
International, Biocon Park, Bommasandra, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Andy Mead
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Mould
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Cliona MacSweeney
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - M. Alistair O’Brien
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Alice Stott
- Sosei
Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6DG, United Kingdom
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39
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Fan Y, Lin X, Pan B, Chen B, Liu D, Wüthrich K, Xu F. Allosteric coupling between G-protein binding and extracellular ligand binding sites in GPR52 revealed by 19F-NMR and cryo-electron microscopy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e260. [PMID: 37051308 PMCID: PMC10085714 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yanliu Fan
- iHuman InstituteSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Key Laboratory of High‐resolution Electron MicroscopyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xi Lin
- iHuman InstituteSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Key Laboratory of High‐resolution Electron MicroscopyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Benxun Pan
- iHuman InstituteSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Key Laboratory of High‐resolution Electron MicroscopyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Bo Chen
- iHuman InstituteSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Key Laboratory of High‐resolution Electron MicroscopyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- iHuman InstituteSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Key Laboratory of High‐resolution Electron MicroscopyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Kurt Wüthrich
- iHuman InstituteSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Key Laboratory of High‐resolution Electron MicroscopyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Integrative and Computational BiologyScripps ResearchLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- Department of BiologyETH ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Fei Xu
- iHuman InstituteSchool of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Key Laboratory of High‐resolution Electron MicroscopyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
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40
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Yong Joon Kim J, Sang Z, Xiang Y, Shen Z, Shi Y. Nanobodies: Robust miniprotein binders in biomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 195:114726. [PMID: 36754285 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies (VHH), also known as nanobodies (Nbs), are monomeric antigen-binding domains derived from the camelid heavy chain-only antibodies. Nbs are characterized by small size, high target selectivity, and marked solubility and stability, which collectively facilitate high-quality drug development. In addition, Nbs are readily expressed from various expression systems, including E. coli and yeast cells. For these reasons, Nbs have emerged as preferred antibody fragments for protein engineering, disease diagnosis, and treatment. To date, two Nb-based therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Numerous candidates spanning a wide spectrum of diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders are under preclinical and clinical investigation. Here, we discuss the structural features of Nbs that allow for specific, versatile, and strong target binding. We also summarize emerging technologies for identification, structural analysis, and humanization of Nbs. Our main focus is to review recent advances in using Nbs as a modular scaffold to facilitate the engineering of multivalent polymers for cutting-edge applications. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges for Nb development and envision new opportunities in Nb-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Yong Joon Kim
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhe Sang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhuolun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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41
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Li X, Chang H, Bouma J, de Paus LV, Mukhopadhyay P, Paloczi J, Mustafa M, van der Horst C, Kumar SS, Wu L, Yu Y, van den Berg RJBHN, Janssen APA, Lichtman A, Liu ZJ, Pacher P, van der Stelt M, Heitman LH, Hua T. Structural basis of selective cannabinoid CB 2 receptor activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1447. [PMID: 36922494 PMCID: PMC10017709 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37112-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) agonists are investigated as therapeutic agents in the clinic. However, their molecular mode-of-action is not fully understood. Here, we report the discovery of LEI-102, a CB2R agonist, used in conjunction with three other CBR ligands (APD371, HU308, and CP55,940) to investigate the selective CB2R activation by binding kinetics, site-directed mutagenesis, and cryo-EM studies. We identify key residues for CB2R activation. Highly lipophilic HU308 and the endocannabinoids, but not the more polar LEI-102, APD371, and CP55,940, reach the binding pocket through a membrane channel in TM1-TM7. Favorable physico-chemical properties of LEI-102 enable oral efficacy in a chemotherapy-induced nephropathy model. This study delineates the molecular mechanism of CB2R activation by selective agonists and highlights the role of lipophilicity in CB2R engagement. This may have implications for GPCR drug design and sheds light on their activation by endogenous ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Hao Chang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jara Bouma
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Laura V de Paus
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Partha Mukhopadhyay
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Janos Paloczi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mohammed Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Cas van der Horst
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sanjay Sunil Kumar
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Yu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard J B H N van den Berg
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antonius P A Janssen
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aron Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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42
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Lin X, Jiang S, Wu Y, Wei X, Han GW, Wu L, Liu J, Chen B, Zhang Z, Zhao S, Cherezov V, Xu F. The activation mechanism and antibody binding mode for orphan GPR20. Cell Discov 2023; 9:23. [PMID: 36849514 PMCID: PMC9971246 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR20 is a class-A orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and a potential therapeutic target for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) owing to its differentially high expression. An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) containing a GPR20-binding antibody (Ab046) was recently developed in clinical trials for GIST treatment. GPR20 constitutively activates Gi proteins in the absence of any known ligand, but it remains obscure how this high basal activity is achieved. Here we report three cryo-EM structures of human GPR20 complexes including Gi-coupled GPR20 in the absence or presence of the Fab fragment of Ab046 and Gi-free GPR20. Remarkably, the structures demonstrate a uniquely folded N-terminal helix capping onto the transmembrane domain and our mutagenesis study suggests a key role of this cap region in stimulating the basal activity of GPR20. We also uncover the molecular interactions between GPR20 and Ab046, which may enable the design of tool antibodies with enhanced affinity or new functionality for GPR20. Furthermore, we report the orthosteric pocket occupied by an unassigned density which might be essential for exploring opportunities for deorphanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Lin
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China ,grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Wu
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohu Wei
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gye-Won Han
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Lijie Wu
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Junlin Liu
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Chen
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China ,grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China ,grid.440637.20000 0004 4657 8879School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Fei Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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43
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Liang J, Inoue A, Ikuta T, Xia R, Wang N, Kawakami K, Xu Z, Qian Y, Zhu X, Zhang A, Guo C, Huang Z, He Y. Structural basis of lysophosphatidylserine receptor GPR174 ligand recognition and activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1012. [PMID: 36823105 PMCID: PMC9950150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36575-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS) is a lipid mediator that induces multiple cellular responses through binding to GPR174. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of LysoPS-bound human GPR174 in complex with Gs protein. The structure reveals a ligand recognition mode, including the negatively charged head group of LysoPS forms extensive polar interactions with surrounding key residues of the ligand binding pocket, and the L-serine moiety buries deeply into a positive charged cavity in the pocket. In addition, the structure unveils a partially open pocket on transmembrane domain helix (TM) 4 and 5 for a lateral entry of ligand. Finally, the structure reveals a Gs engaging mode featured by a deep insertion of a helix 5 (αH5) and extensive polar interactions between receptor and αH5. Taken together, the information revealed by our structural study provides a framework for understanding LysoPS signaling and a rational basis for designing LysoPS receptor-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Liang
- Laboratory of Receptor Structure and Signaling, HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Ikuta
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ruixue Xia
- Laboratory of Receptor Structure and Signaling, HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Na Wang
- Laboratory of Receptor Structure and Signaling, HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Kouki Kawakami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Zhenmei Xu
- Laboratory of Receptor Structure and Signaling, HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Laboratory of Receptor Structure and Signaling, HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Xinyan Zhu
- Laboratory of Receptor Structure and Signaling, HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Anqi Zhang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Changyou Guo
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanzheng He
- Laboratory of Receptor Structure and Signaling, HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China.
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44
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Franchini L, Orlandi C. Probing the orphan receptors: Tools and directions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 195:47-76. [PMID: 36707155 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous ligands activating a large fraction of the G Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) family members have yet to be identified. These receptors are commonly labeled as orphans (oGPCRs), and because of the absence of available pharmacological tools they are currently understudied. Nonetheless, genome wide association studies, together with research using animal models identified many physiological functions regulated by oGPCRs. Similarly, mutations in some oGPCRs have been associated with rare genetic disorders or with an increased risk of developing pathologies. The once underestimated pharmacological potential of targeting oGPCRs is increasingly being exploited by the development of novel tools to understand their biology and by drug discovery endeavors aimed at identifying new modulators of their activity. Here, we summarize recent advancements in the field of oGPCRs and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Franchini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Cesare Orlandi
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States.
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45
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Wong T, Gao W, Chen G, Qiu C, He G, Ye F, Wu Z, Zeng Z, Du Y. Cryo-EM structure of orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR21. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e205. [PMID: 36721851 PMCID: PMC9877262 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR21 belongs to class A orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). The endogenous ligands for human GPR21 remain unidentified. GPR21 expression is associated with developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a multifactorial metabolic disease caused by pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, decreasing insulin production, insulin resistance, and obesity. Animal studies suggested that GPR21 is a potential therapeutic target for T2DM treatment. The underlying mechanisms leading to GPR21 self-activation remain unknown. In our co-expression analysis, we noted that GPR21 could also form a stable complex with an unreported Gα protein subtype, Gαs. To gain further insights into the structural mechanisms of GPR21 activation, we employed cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and single-particle analysis to resolve the high-resolution structure of GPR21-Gαs complexes. The clear electron density map of the GPR21-Gαs provided direct evidence that GPR21 could couple to Gαs protein at physiological conditions. Thus, GPR21 might mediate previously unexplored pathways in normal or pathological conditions, which warrants further investigation. Structure-guided mutagenesis and biochemical analysis revealed that extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) of GPR21 is essential for the receptor transducing intracellular signal via cAMP. Together, the new structure data reveal a novel signaling cascade of human GPR21 mediated by ECL2 and provide fundamental information for future structure-based drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thian‐Sze Wong
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina,School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Gao
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina,Innovation Center for AI and Drug DiscoveryEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Chen Qiu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Guodong He
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Fang Ye
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Zhangsong Wu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Zicheng Zeng
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug, Discovery and Development, School of Medicinethe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdongChina
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Krieg PF, Sonner JK, Kurelic R, Engler JB, Scharenberg MF, Bauer S, Nikolaev VO, Friese MA. GPR52 regulates cAMP in T cells but is dispensable for encephalitogenic responses. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1113348. [PMID: 36761164 PMCID: PMC9902724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1113348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) regulate 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in T cells. cAMP as ubiquitous second messenger is crucial for adequate physiology of T cells by mediating effector T cell (Teff) function as well as regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated immunosuppression. Several GPCRs have been identified to be crucial for Teff and Treg function. However, the role of the orphan, constitutively active Gs-coupled GPCR GPR52 is unknown. Here we show that GPR52 regulates cAMP levels in T cells but does not affect T cell function. We found that stimulation of transfected HEK cells or primary T cells with a GPR52 agonist results in a rise of intracellular cAMP. However, neither Gpr52 deficiency nor pharmacological modulation of GPR52 by antagonists or agonists affected T cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation or Treg-mediated immunosuppression. Moreover, Gpr52 deletion did not modify the clinical disease course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our results demonstrate that a modulation of cAMP levels in T cells does not inevitably result in altered T cell function. While we could not identify an obvious role of GPR52 in in vitro T cell assays and in vivo CNS autoimmunity, it might regulate T cell function in a different context or affect the function of other GPR52-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula F. Krieg
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana K. Sonner
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roberta Kurelic
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Broder Engler
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlena F. Scharenberg
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Bauer
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viacheslav O. Nikolaev
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manuel A. Friese
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Manuel A. Friese,
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Li H, Zhang J, Yu Y, Luo F, Wu L, Liu J, Chen N, Liu Z, Hua T. Structural insight into the constitutive activity of human orphan receptor GPR12. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:95-104. [PMID: 36593162 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2022.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor 12 (GPR12) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor that is highly expressed in the thalamus of the brain and plays a vital role in driving thalamocortical functions in short-term memory. GPR12 performs high constitutive activity and couples with Gs, increasing the intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level when it is expressed. However, exploitation for drug development is limited since it is unclear how GPR12 initiates self-activation and signal transduction, and whether it can be modulated by endogenous or synthetic ligands. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the GPR12-Gs complex in the absence of agonists. Our structure reveals the key determinants for the intrinsically high basal activity of GPR12, including extracellular loop 2 partially occupying the orthosteric binding pocket, a tight-packed TM1 and TM7, and unique activation-related residues in TM6 and TM7. Together with mutagenesis data, this study will improve our understanding of the function and self-activation of the orphan receptor GPR12, enable the identification of endogenous ligands, and guide drug discovery efforts that target GPR12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jinyi Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yanan Yu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Feng Luo
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Junlin Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Na Chen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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48
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Abstract
GPR21 is a class-A orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. This receptor shows high basal activity in coupling to multiple G proteins in the absence of any known endogenous agonist or synthetic ligand. Here, we present the structures of ligand-free human GPR21 bound to heterotrimeric miniGs and miniG15 proteins, respectively. We identified an agonist-like motif in extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) that occupies the orthosteric pocket and promotes receptor activation. A side pocket that may be employed as a new ligand binding site was also uncovered. Remarkably, G protein binding is accommodated by a flexible cytoplasmic portion of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) which adopts little or undetectable outward movement. These findings will enable the design of modulators for GPR21 for understanding its signal transduction and exploring opportunity for deorphanization.
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Dmitrieva DA, Kotova TV, Safronova NA, Sadova AA, Dashevskii DE, Mishin AV. Protein Design Strategies for the Structural–Functional Studies of G Protein-Coupled Receptors. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2023; 88:S192-S226. [PMID: 37069121 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923140110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important family of membrane proteins responsible for many physiological functions in human body. High resolution GPCR structures are required to understand their molecular mechanisms and perform rational drug design, as GPCRs play a crucial role in a variety of diseases. That is difficult to obtain for the wild-type proteins because of their low stability. In this review, we discuss how this problem can be solved by using protein design strategies developed to obtain homogeneous stabilized GPCR samples for crystallization and cryoelectron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A Dmitrieva
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Kotova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Nadezda A Safronova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Sadova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Dmitrii E Dashevskii
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Alexey V Mishin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
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Ahamad S, Bhat SA. The Emerging Landscape of Small-Molecule Therapeutics for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15993-16032. [PMID: 36490325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT). The new insights into HD's cellular and molecular pathways have led to the identification of numerous potent small-molecule therapeutics for HD therapy. The field of HD-targeting small-molecule therapeutics is accelerating, and the approval of these therapeutics to combat HD may be expected in the near future. For instance, preclinical candidates such as naphthyridine-azaquinolone, AN1, AN2, CHDI-00484077, PRE084, EVP4593, and LOC14 have shown promise for further optimization to enter into HD clinical trials. This perspective aims to summarize the advent of small-molecule therapeutics at various stages of clinical development for HD therapy, emphasizing their structure and design, therapeutic effects, and specific mechanisms of action. Further, we have highlighted the key drivers involved in HD pathogenesis to provide insights into the basic principle for designing promising anti-HD therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Ahamad
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh202002, India
| | - Shahnawaz A Bhat
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh202002, India
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