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El-Kasaby A, Boytsov D, Kasture A, Krumpl G, Hummel T, Freissmuth M, Sandtner W. Allosteric Inhibition and Pharmacochaperoning of the Serotonin Transporter by the Antidepressant Drugs Trazodone and Nefazodone. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 106:56-70. [PMID: 38769018 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.124.000881] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The antidepressants trazodone and nefazodone were approved some 4 and 3 decades ago, respectively. Their action is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of the serotonin transporter [SERT/solute carrier (SLC)-6A4]. Surprisingly, their mode of action on SERT has not been characterized. Here, we show that, similar to the chemically related drug vilazodone, trazodone and nefazodone are allosteric ligands: trazodone and nefazodone inhibit uptake by and transport-associated currents through SERT in a mixed-competitive and noncompetitive manner, respectively. Contrary to noribogaine and its congeners, all three compounds preferentially interact with the Na+-bound outward-facing state of SERT. Nevertheless, they act as pharmacochaperones and rescue the folding-deficient variant SERT-P601A/G602A. The vast majority of disease-associated point mutations of SLC6 family members impair folding of the encoded transporter proteins. Our findings indicate that their folding defect can be remedied by targeting allosteric sites on SLC6 transporters. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The serotonin transporter is a member of the solute carrier-6 family and is the target of numerous antidepressants. Trazodone and nefazodone have long been used as antidepressants. Here, this study shows that their inhibition of the serotonin transporter digressed from the competitive mode seen with other antidepressants. Trazodone and nefazodone rescued a folding-deficient variant of the serotonin transporter. This finding demonstrates that folding defects of mutated solute carrier-6 family members can also be corrected by allosteric ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali El-Kasaby
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology (A.E.-K., D.B., M.F., W.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (A.K., T.H.); and MRN Medical Research Network GmbH, Vienna, Austria (G.K.)
| | - Danila Boytsov
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology (A.E.-K., D.B., M.F., W.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (A.K., T.H.); and MRN Medical Research Network GmbH, Vienna, Austria (G.K.)
| | - Ameya Kasture
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology (A.E.-K., D.B., M.F., W.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (A.K., T.H.); and MRN Medical Research Network GmbH, Vienna, Austria (G.K.)
| | - Günther Krumpl
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology (A.E.-K., D.B., M.F., W.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (A.K., T.H.); and MRN Medical Research Network GmbH, Vienna, Austria (G.K.)
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology (A.E.-K., D.B., M.F., W.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (A.K., T.H.); and MRN Medical Research Network GmbH, Vienna, Austria (G.K.)
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology (A.E.-K., D.B., M.F., W.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (A.K., T.H.); and MRN Medical Research Network GmbH, Vienna, Austria (G.K.)
| | - Walter Sandtner
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology (A.E.-K., D.B., M.F., W.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurobiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (A.K., T.H.); and MRN Medical Research Network GmbH, Vienna, Austria (G.K.)
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Tu G, Fu T, Zheng G, Xu B, Gou R, Luo D, Wang P, Xue W. Computational Chemistry in Structure-Based Solute Carrier Transporter Drug Design: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1433-1455. [PMID: 38294194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01736] [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: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Solute carrier transporters (SLCs) are a class of important transmembrane proteins that are involved in the transportation of diverse solute ions and small molecules into cells. There are approximately 450 SLCs within the human body, and more than a quarter of them are emerging as attractive therapeutic targets for multiple complex diseases, e.g., depression, cancer, and diabetes. However, only 44 unique transporters (∼9.8% of the SLC superfamily) with 3D structures and specific binding sites have been reported. To design innovative and effective drugs targeting diverse SLCs, there are a number of obstacles that need to be overcome. However, computational chemistry, including physics-based molecular modeling and machine learning- and deep learning-based artificial intelligence (AI), provides an alternative and complementary way to the classical drug discovery approach. Here, we present a comprehensive overview on recent advances and existing challenges of the computational techniques in structure-based drug design of SLCs from three main aspects: (i) characterizing multiple conformations of the proteins during the functional process of transportation, (ii) identifying druggability sites especially the cryptic allosteric ones on the transporters for substrates and drugs binding, and (iii) discovering diverse small molecules or synthetic protein binders targeting the binding sites. This work is expected to provide guidelines for a deep understanding of the structure and function of the SLC superfamily to facilitate rational design of novel modulators of the transporters with the aid of state-of-the-art computational chemistry technologies including artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao Tu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Tingting Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | | | - Binbin Xu
- Chengdu Sintanovo Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Rongpei Gou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Ding Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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Sun Z, Yang J, Zhou J, Zhou J, Feng L, Feng Y, He Y, Liu M, Li Y, Wang G, Li R. Tissue-Specific Oxysterols as Predictors of Antidepressant (Escitalopram) Treatment Response in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:663-672. [PMID: 37881566 PMCID: PMC10593904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.01.004] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is growing evidence that disturbances in cholesterol metabolism may be involved in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it is not known if cholesterol metabolites present in the brain and periphery can be used to diagnose and predict an MDD patient's response to antidepressant treatment. Methods A total of 176 subjects (85 patients with MDD and 91 healthy control subjects) were included in this study. The expression of peripheral and brain-specific oxysterols and related gene polymorphisms were investigated in all subjects. The severity of depression was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms-Self-Report, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for all patients with MDD before and after 12 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Results Patients with MDD expressed higher plasma levels of 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24OHC) (mainly secreted from the brain) compared with healthy control subjects, and the higher levels of 24OHC were associated with 24OHC synthetase (CYP46A1) gene polymorphisms. In patients with MDD, an improved response to the 12-week antidepressant treatment was associated with a reduction of both 24OHC and 27OHC (mainly secreted from the peripheral system) levels relative to baseline levels. Nonresponders exhibited increased levels of oxysterols at the end of treatment compared with baseline. The superior reduction in oxysterol levels correlated with better outcomes from the antidepressant treatment. Conclusions These data suggest a potential role for oxysterols as diagnostic and treatment response-related indicators for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoli Sun
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Feng
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi He
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rena Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Schlessinger A, Zatorski N, Hutchinson K, Colas C. Targeting SLC transporters: small molecules as modulators and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:801-814. [PMID: 37355450 PMCID: PMC10525040 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Solute carrier (SLCs) transporters mediate the transport of a broad range of solutes across biological membranes. Dysregulation of SLCs has been associated with various pathologies, including metabolic and neurological disorders, as well as cancer and rare diseases. SLCs are therefore emerging as key targets for therapeutic intervention with several recently approved drugs targeting these proteins. Unlocking this large and complex group of proteins is essential to identifying unknown SLC targets and developing next-generation SLC therapeutics. Recent progress in experimental and computational techniques has significantly advanced SLC research, including drug discovery. Here, we review emerging topics in therapeutic discovery of SLCs, focusing on state-of-the-art approaches in structural, chemical, and computational biology, and discuss current challenges in transporter drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Nicole Zatorski
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Keino Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Claire Colas
- University of Vienna, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vienna, Austria.
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Bhat S, El-Kasaby A, Kasture A, Boytsov D, Reichelt JB, Hummel T, Sucic S, Pifl C, Freissmuth M, Sandtner W. A mechanism of uncompetitive inhibition of the serotonin transporter. eLife 2023; 12:e82641. [PMID: 36648438 PMCID: PMC9883013 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT/SLC6A4) is arguably the most extensively studied solute carrier (SLC). During its eponymous action - that is, the retrieval of serotonin from the extracellular space - SERT undergoes a conformational cycle. Typical inhibitors (antidepressant drugs and cocaine), partial and full substrates (amphetamines and their derivatives), and atypical inhibitors (ibogaine analogues) bind preferentially to different states in this cycle. This results in competitive or non-competitive transport inhibition. Here, we explored the action of N-formyl-1,3-bis (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-prop-2-yl-amine (ECSI#6) on SERT: inhibition of serotonin uptake by ECSI#6 was enhanced with increasing serotonin concentration. Conversely, the KM for serotonin was lowered by augmenting ECSI#6. ECSI#6 bound with low affinity to the outward-facing state of SERT but with increased affinity to a potassium-bound state. Electrophysiological recordings showed that ECSI#6 preferentially interacted with the inward-facing state. Kinetic modeling recapitulated the experimental data and verified that uncompetitive inhibition arose from preferential binding of ECSI#6 to the K+-bound, inward-facing conformation of SERT. This binding mode predicted a pharmacochaperoning action of ECSI#6, which was confirmed by examining its effect on the folding-deficient mutant SERT-PG601,602AA: preincubation of HEK293 cells with ECSI#6 restored export of SERT-PG601,602AA from the endoplasmic reticulum and substrate transport. Similarly, in transgenic flies, the administration of ECSI#6 promoted the delivery of SERT-PG601,602AA to the presynaptic specialization of serotonergic neurons. To the best of our knowledge, ECSI#6 is the first example of an uncompetitive SLC inhibitor. Pharmacochaperones endowed with the binding mode of ECSI#6 are attractive, because they can rescue misfolded transporters at concentrations, which cause modest transport inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ali El-Kasaby
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ameya Kasture
- Department of Neurobiology, University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Danila Boytsov
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Julian B Reichelt
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Christian Pifl
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Walter Sandtner
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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Angenoorth TJF, Maier J, Stankovic S, Bhat S, Sucic S, Freissmuth M, Sitte HH, Yang JW. Rescue of Misfolded Organic Cation Transporter 3 Variants. Cells 2022; 12:39. [PMID: 36611832 PMCID: PMC9818475 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic cation transporters (OCTs) are membrane proteins that take up monoamines, cationic drugs and xenobiotics. We previously reported novel missense mutations of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3, SLC22A3), some with drastically impacted transport capabilities compared to wildtype. For some variants, this was due to ER retention and subsequent degradation of the misfolded transporter. For other transporter families, it was previously shown that treatment of misfolded variants with pharmacological and chemical chaperones could restore transport function to a certain degree. To investigate two potentially ER-bound, misfolded variants (D340G and R348W), we employed confocal and biochemical analyses. In addition, radiotracer uptake assays were conducted to assess whether pre-treatment with chaperones could restore transporter function. We show that pre-treatment of cells with the chemical chaperone 4-PBA (4-phenyl butyric acid) leads to increased membrane expression of misfolded variants and is associated with increased transport capacity of D340G (8-fold) and R348W (1.5 times) compared to untreated variants. We herein present proof of principle that folding-deficient SLC22 transporter variants, in particular those of OCT3, are amenable to rescue by chaperones. These findings need to be extended to other SLC22 members with corroborated disease associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. F. Angenoorth
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Maier
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stevan Stankovic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Shreyas Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Physics, Université de Montréal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jae-Won Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Sarkar P, Bhat A, Chattopadhyay A. Lysine 101 in the CRAC Motif in Transmembrane Helix 2 Confers Cholesterol-Induced Thermal Stability to the Serotonin 1A Receptor. J Membr Biol 2022; 255:739-746. [PMID: 35986776 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest class of membrane proteins that transduce signals across the plasma membrane and orchestrate a multitude of physiological processes within cells. The serotonin1A receptor is a crucial neurotransmitter receptor in the GPCR family involved in a multitude of neurological, behavioral and cognitive functions. We have previously shown, using a combination of experimental and simulation approaches, that membrane cholesterol acts as a key regulator of organization, dynamics, signaling and endocytosis of the serotonin1A receptor. In addition, we showed that membrane cholesterol stabilizes the serotonin1A receptor against thermal deactivation. In the present work, we explored the molecular basis of cholesterol-induced thermal stability of the serotonin1A receptor. For this, we explored the possible role of the K101 residue in a cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid consensus (CRAC) motif in transmembrane helix 2 in conferring the thermal stability of the serotonin1A receptor. Our results show that a mutation in the K101 residue leads to loss in thermal stability of the serotonin1A receptor imparted by cholesterol, independent of membrane cholesterol content. We envision that our results could have potential implications in structural biological advancements of GPCRs and design of thermally stabilized receptors for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parijat Sarkar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Akrati Bhat
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
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