scholarly journals Energy landscapes reveal agonist control of GPCR activation via microswitches

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Fleetwood ◽  
Pierre Matricon ◽  
Jens Carlsson ◽  
Lucie Delemotte
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Energy Landscapes ◽  
Agonist Binding ◽  
Transmembrane Region ◽  
Gpcr Activation ◽  
Simulation Protocol ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Intracellular Region

AbstractAgonist binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) leads to conformational changes in the transmembrane region that activate cytosolic signaling pathways. Al-though high resolution structures of different receptor states are available, atomistic details of the allosteric signalling across the membrane remain elusive. We calculated free energy landscapes of the β2 adrenergic receptors activation using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in an optimized string of swarms framework, which sheds new light on how microswitches govern the equilibrium between conformational states. Contraction of the extracellular binding site in the presence of the agonist BI-167107 is obligatorily coupled to conformational changes in a connector motif located in the core of the transmembrane region. The connector is probabilistically coupled to the conformation of the intracellular region. An active connector promotes desolvation of a buried cavity, a twist of the conserved NPxxY motif, and an interaction between two conserved tyrosines in transmembrane helices 5 and 7 (Y-Y motif), which leads to a larger population of active-like states at the G protein binding site. This coupling is augmented by protonation of the strongly conserved Asp792.50. The agonist binding site hence communicates with the intracellular region via a cascade of locally connected microswitches. Characterization of these can be used to understand how ligands stabilize distinct receptor states and contribute to development drugs with specific signaling properties. The developed simulation protocol is likely transferable to other class A GPCRs.Graphical TOC Entry

scholarly journals Decoding Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Allosteric Communication to Gq and β-arrestin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita K Nivedha ◽  
Yubo Cao ◽  
Sangbae Lee ◽  
Supriyo Bhattacharya ◽  
Stephane Laporte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Type I ◽  
Allosteric Communication ◽  
Gpcr Activation ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Ligand Bias

The allosteric communication between the agonist binding site and the G protein or beta-arrestin coupling sites in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play an important role in determining ligand efficacy towards these two signaling pathways and hence the ligand bias. Knowledge of the amino acid residue networks involved in the allosteric communication will aid understanding GPCR signaling and the design of biased ligands. Angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) is an ideal model GPCR to study the molecular basis of ligand bias as it has multiple beta-arrestin2 and Gq protein biased agonists as well as three-dimensional structures. Using Molecular Dynamics simulations, dynamic allostery analysis, and functional BRET assays, we identified a network of residues involved in allosteric communication from the angiotensin II binding site to the putative Gq coupling sites and another network to the beta-arrestin2 coupling sites, with 6 residues common to both pathways located in TM3, TM5 and TM6. Our findings unveil unique and common allosteric communication residue hubs for Gq and beta-arr2 coupling by AngII ligands and suggests that some of these residues can be targeted to design biased AT1R ligands. Finally, we show through analysis of the inter-residue distance distributions of the activation microswitches involved in class A GPCR activation for ten different agonists, that these microswitches behave like rheostats with different relative strengths of activation, which we speculate could modulate the relative efficacy of these agonists toward the two signaling pathways.

scholarly journals Ion-water coupling controls class A GPCR signal transduction pathways

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil J. Thomson ◽  
Owen N. Vickery ◽  
Callum M. Ives ◽  
Ulrich Zachariae
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Signal Transmission ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Protein Binding Region ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Key Residues ◽  
Extracellular Sodium ◽  
Communication Pathway

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit signals across the cell membrane, forming the largest family of membrane proteins in humans. Most GPCRs activate through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism, which involves reorientation of helices and key residues, rearrangement of a hydrogen bonding network mediated by water molecules, and the expulsion of a sodium ion from a protonatable binding site. However, how these components interplay to engage the signal effector binding site remains elusive. Here, we applied information theory to molecular dynamics simulations of pharmaceutically important GPCRs to trace concerted conformational variations across the receptors. We discovered a conserved communication pathway that includes protein residues and cofactors and enables the exchange of information between the extracellular sodium binding site and the intracellular G-protein binding region, coupling the most highly conserved protonatable residues at long distance. Reorientation of internal water molecules was found to be essential for signal transmission along this pathway. By inhibiting protonation, sodium decoupled this connectivity, identifying the ion as a master switch that determines the receptors’ ability to move towards active conformations.

scholarly journals A structural basis for how ligand binding site changes can allosterically regulate GPCR signaling and engender functional selectivity

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (617) ◽  
pp. eaaw5885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Sanchez-Soto ◽  
Ravi Kumar Verma ◽  
Blair K. A. Willette ◽  
Elizabeth C. Gonye ◽  
Annah M. Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Protein Signaling ◽  
Ligand Binding Site ◽  
Intracellular Loop ◽  
Gpcr Signaling ◽  
Biased Signaling ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

Signaling bias is the propensity for some agonists to preferentially stimulate G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling through one intracellular pathway versus another. We previously identified a G protein–biased agonist of the D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) that results in impaired β-arrestin recruitment. This signaling bias was predicted to arise from unique interactions of the ligand with a hydrophobic pocket at the interface of the second extracellular loop and fifth transmembrane segment of the D2R. Here, we showed that residue Phe189 within this pocket (position 5.38 using Ballesteros-Weinstein numbering) functions as a microswitch for regulating receptor interactions with β-arrestin. This residue is relatively conserved among class A GPCRs, and analogous mutations within other GPCRs similarly impaired β-arrestin recruitment while maintaining G protein signaling. To investigate the mechanism of this signaling bias, we used an active-state structure of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2R) to build β2R-WT and β2R-Y1995.38A models in complex with the full β2R agonist BI-167107 for molecular dynamics simulations. These analyses identified conformational rearrangements in β2R-Y1995.38A that propagated from the extracellular ligand binding site to the intracellular surface, resulting in a modified orientation of the second intracellular loop in β2R-Y1995.38A, which is predicted to affect its interactions with β-arrestin. Our findings provide a structural basis for how ligand binding site alterations can allosterically affect GPCR-transducer interactions and result in biased signaling.

scholarly journals Computational Analysis of the Soluble Form of the Intracellular Chloride Ion Channel Protein CLIC1

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Jones ◽  
Paul M. G. Curmi ◽  
Stella M. Valenzuela ◽  
Anthony M. George
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channel ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Active Site ◽  
Bound States ◽  
Covalent Binding ◽  
Chloride Ion ◽  
Soluble Form ◽  
Active Site Cysteine ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

The chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) family of proteins has the remarkable property of maintaining both a soluble form and an integral membrane form acting as an ion channel. The soluble form is structurally related to the glutathione-S-transferase family, and CLIC can covalently bind glutathione via an active site cysteine. We report approximately 0.6 μs of molecular dynamics simulations, encompassing the three possible ligand-bound states of CLIC1, using the structure of GSH-bound human CLIC1. Noncovalently bound GSH was rapidly released from the protein, whereas the covalently ligand-bound protein remained close to the starting structure over 0.25 μs of simulation. In the unliganded state, conformational changes in the vicinity of the glutathione-binding site resulted in reduced reactivity of the active site thiol. Elastic network analysis indicated that the changes in the unliganded state are intrinsic to the protein architecture and likely represent functional transitions. Overall, our results are consistent with a model of CLIC function in which covalent binding of glutathione does not occur spontaneously but requires interaction with another protein to stabilise the GSH binding site and/or transfer of the ligand. The results do not indicate how CLIC1 undergoes a radical conformational change to form a transmembrane chloride channel but further elucidate the mechanism by which CLICs are redox controlled.

scholarly journals Multiple GPCR Functional Assays Based on Resonance Energy Transfer Sensors

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiwei Zhou ◽  
Jiyong Meng ◽  
Chanjuan Xu ◽  
Jianfeng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Functional Assays ◽  
High Throughput Drug Screening ◽  
Gpcr Activation ◽  
G Protein Coupled

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest membrane protein families that participate in various physiological and pathological activities. Accumulating structural evidences have revealed how GPCR activation induces conformational changes to accommodate the downstream G protein or β-arrestin. Multiple GPCR functional assays have been developed based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) sensors to monitor the conformational changes in GPCRs, GPCR/G proteins, or GPCR/β-arrestin, especially over the past two decades. Here, we will summarize how these sensors have been optimized to increase the sensitivity and compatibility for application in different GPCR classes using various labeling strategies, meanwhile provide multiple solutions in functional assays for high-throughput drug screening.

scholarly journals α1A-adrenoceptor inverse agonists and agonists modulate receptor signalling through a conformational selection mechanism

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng-Jie Wu ◽  
Lisa M. Williams ◽  
Alaa Abdul-Ridha ◽  
Avanka Gunatilaka ◽  
Tasneem M. Vaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contraction ◽  
Selection Mechanism ◽  
Conformational Selection ◽  
Gpcr Activation ◽  
Methionine Residues ◽  
Receptor Conformation

AbstractG-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) transmit signals across the cell membrane via an allosteric network from the ligand-binding site to the G-protein binding site via a series of conserved microswitches. Crystal structures of GPCRs provide snapshots of inactive and active states, but poorly describe the conformational dynamics of the allosteric network that underlies GPCR activation. Here we analyse the correlation between ligand binding and receptor conformation of the α1A-adrenoceptor, known for stimulating smooth muscle contraction in response to binding noradrenaline. NMR of 13CεH3-methionine labelled α1A-adrenoreceptor mutants, each exhibiting differing signalling capacities, revealed how different classes of ligands modulate receptor conformational equilibria. 13CεH3-methionine residues near the microswitches revealed distinct states that correlated with ligand efficacies, supporting a conformational selection mechanism. We propose that allosteric coupling between the microswitches controls receptor conformation and underlies the mechanism of ligand modulation of GPCR signalling in cells.

scholarly journals Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Investigate How PZM21 Affects the Conformational State of the μ-Opioid Receptor Upon Activation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhennan Zhao ◽  
Tingting Huang ◽  
Jiazhong Li
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Opioid Receptor ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Opioid Analgesics ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Analgesic Effects ◽  
Μ Opioid Receptor ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

Opioid analgesics such as morphine have indispensable roles in analgesia. However, morphine use can elicit side effects such as respiratory depression and constipation. It has been reported that G protein-biased agonists as substitutes for classic opioid agonists can alleviate (or even eliminate) these side effects. The compounds PZM21 and TRV130 could be such alternatives. Nevertheless, there are controversies regarding the efficacy and G protein-biased ability of PZM21. To demonstrate a rationale for the reduced biasing agonism of PZM21 compared with that of TRV130 at the molecular level, we undertook a long-term molecular dynamics simulation of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) upon the binding of three ligands: morphine, TRV130, and PZM21. We found that the delayed movement of the W2936.48 (Ballesteros–Weinstein numbering) side chain was a factor determining the dose-dependent agonism of PZM21. Differences in conformational changes of W3187.35, Y3267.43, and Y3367.53 in PZM21 and TRV130 explained the observed differences in bias between these ligands. The extent of water movements across the receptor channel was correlated with analgesic effects. Taken together, these data suggest that the observed differences in conformational changes of the studied MOR–ligand complexes point to the low-potency and lower bias effects of PZM21 compared with the other two ligands, and they lay the foundation for the development of G protein-biased agonists.

scholarly journals G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Taste Physiology and Pharmacology

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raise Ahmad ◽  
Julie E. Dalziel
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Type I ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Agonist Binding ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest receptor family in mammals and are responsible for the regulation of most physiological functions. Besides mediating the sensory modalities of olfaction and vision, GPCRs also transduce signals for three basic taste qualities of sweet, umami (savory taste), and bitter, as well as the flavor sensation kokumi. Taste GPCRs reside in specialised taste receptor cells (TRCs) within taste buds. Type I taste GPCRs (TAS1R) form heterodimeric complexes that function as sweet (TAS1R2/TAS1R3) or umami (TAS1R1/TAS1R3) taste receptors, whereas Type II are monomeric bitter taste receptors or kokumi/calcium-sensing receptors. Sweet, umami and kokumi receptors share structural similarities in containing multiple agonist binding sites with pronounced selectivity while most bitter receptors contain a single binding site that is broadly tuned to a diverse array of bitter ligands in a non-selective manner. Tastant binding to the receptor activates downstream secondary messenger pathways leading to depolarization and increased intracellular calcium in TRCs, that in turn innervate the gustatory cortex in the brain. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between agonist binding and the conformational changes required for receptor activation, several major challenges and questions remain in taste GPCR biology that are discussed in the present review. In recent years, intensive integrative approaches combining heterologous expression, mutagenesis and homology modeling have together provided insight regarding agonist binding site locations and molecular mechanisms of orthosteric and allosteric modulation. In addition, studies based on transgenic mice, utilizing either global or conditional knock out strategies have provided insights to taste receptor signal transduction mechanisms and their roles in physiology. However, the need for more functional studies in a physiological context is apparent and would be enhanced by a crystallized structure of taste receptors for a more complete picture of their pharmacological mechanisms.

scholarly journals Probing the correlation between ligand efficacy and conformational diversity at the α1A-adrenoreceptor reveals allosteric coupling of its microswitches

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (21) ◽  
pp. 7404-7417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng-Jie Wu ◽  
Lisa M. Williams ◽  
Alaa Abdul-Ridha ◽  
Avanka Gunatilaka ◽  
Tasneem M. Vaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contraction ◽  
Allosteric Coupling ◽  
Gpcr Activation ◽  
Methionine Residues ◽  
G Protein Coupled ◽  
Receptor Conformation

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) use a series of conserved microswitches to transmit signals across the cell membrane via an allosteric network encompassing the ligand-binding site and the G protein-binding site. Crystal structures of GPCRs provide snapshots of their inactive and active states, but poorly describe the conformational dynamics of the allosteric network that underlies GPCR activation. Here, we analyzed the correlation between ligand binding and receptor conformation of the α1A-adrenoreceptor, a GPCR that stimulates smooth muscle contraction in response to binding noradrenaline. NMR of [13CϵH3]methionine-labeled α1A-adrenoreceptor variants, each exhibiting differing signaling capacities, revealed how different classes of ligands modulate the conformational equilibria of this receptor. [13CϵH3]Methionine residues near the microswitches exhibited distinct states that correlated with ligand efficacies, supporting a conformational selection mechanism. We propose that allosteric coupling among the microswitches controls the conformation of the α1A-adrenoreceptor and underlies the mechanism of ligand modulation of GPCR signaling in cells.

scholarly journals Comprehensive analysis of heterotrimeric G-protein complex diversity and their interactions with GPCRs in solution

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. E1181-E1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Hillenbrand ◽  
Christian Schori ◽  
Jendrik Schöppe ◽  
Andreas Plückthun
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
G Proteins ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Protein Complex ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Heterotrimeric G Proteins ◽  
Agonist Binding ◽  
Transient Nature ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Neurotensin Receptor 1

Agonist binding to G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) triggers signal transduction cascades involving heterotrimeric G proteins as key players. A major obstacle for drug design is the limited knowledge of conformational changes upon agonist binding, the details of interaction with the different G proteins, and the transmission to movements within the G protein. Although a variety of different GPCR/G protein complex structures would be needed, the transient nature of this complex and the intrinsic instability against dissociation make this endeavor very challenging. We have previously evolved GPCR mutants that display higher stability and retain their interaction with G proteins. We aimed at finding all G-protein combinations that preferentially interact with neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) and our stabilized mutants. We first systematically analyzed by coimmunoprecipitation the capability of 120 different G-protein combinations consisting of αi1or αsLand all possible βγ-dimers to form a heterotrimeric complex. This analysis revealed a surprisingly unrestricted ability of the G-protein subunits to form heterotrimeric complexes, including βγ-dimers previously thought to be nonexistent, except for combinations containing β5. A second screen on coupling preference of all G-protein heterotrimers to NTR1 wild type and a stabilized mutant indicated a preference for those Gαi1βγ combinations containing γ1and γ11. Heterotrimeric G proteins, including combinations believed to be nonexistent, were purified, and complexes with the GPCR were prepared. Our results shed new light on the combinatorial diversity of G proteins and their coupling to GPCRs and open new approaches to improve the stability of GPCR/G-protein complexes.

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