Single hormone or synthetic agonist induces Gs/Gi coupling selectivity of EP receptors via distinct binding modes and propagating paths.

To accomplish concerted physiological reactions, nature has diversified functions of a single hormone at at least two primary levels: 1) Different receptors recognize the same hormone, and 2) different cellular effectors couple to the same hormone-receptor pair [R.P. Xiao, Sci STKE 2001, re15 (2001); L. Hein, J. D. Altman, B.K. Kobilka, Nature 402, 181-184 (1999); Y. Daaka, L. M. Luttrell, R. J. Lefkowitz, Nature 390, 88-91 (1997)]. Not only these questions lie in the heart of hormone actions and receptor signaling but also dissecting mechanisms underlying these questions could offer therapeutic routes for refractory diseases, such as kidney injury (KI) or X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Here, we identified that Gs-biased signaling, but not Gi activation downstream of EP4, showed beneficial effects for both KI and NDI treatments. Notably, by solving Cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) structures of EP3-Gi, EP4-Gs, and EP4-Gi in complex with endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)or two synthetic agonists and comparing with PGE2-EP2-Gs structures, we found that unique primary sequences of prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP) receptors and distinct conformational states of the EP4 ligand pocket govern the Gs/Gi transducer coupling selectivity through different structural propagation paths, especially via TM6 and TM7, to generate selective cytoplasmic structural features. In particular, the orientation of the PGE2 ω-chain and two distinct pockets encompassing agonist L902688 of EP4 were differentiated by their Gs/Gi coupling ability. Further, we identified common and distinct features of cytoplasmic side of EP receptors for Gs/Gi coupling and provide a structural basis for selective and biased agonist design of EP4 with therapeutic potential.

Variations in BCO2 Coding Sequence Causing a Difference in Carotenoid Concentration in the Skin of Chinese Indigenous Chicken.

Carotenoid consumption decreases the risk of cancer, osteoporosis, or neurodegenerative diseases through interrupting the formation of free radicals. The deposition of carotenoids in chicken skin makes the skin color turn from white into yellow. The enzyme ß-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) plays a key role during the degradation process of carotenoids in skin. How the BCO2 affects the skin color of the chicken and whether it is the key factor that results in the phenotypic difference between yellow- and white-skin chickens are still unclear. In this research, the measurement of the concentration of carotenoids in chicken skin by HPLC showed that the carotenoid concentration in chickens with a yellow skin was significantly higher than that in white-skin chickens. Moreover, there were significant differences in BCO2 gene expression in the back skin between yellow- and white-skin chickens. Scanning the SNPs in BCO2 gene revealed a G/A mutation in exon 6 of the BCO2 gene in white and yellow skin chicken. Generally, one SNP c.890A>G was found to be associated with the chicken skin color and may be used as a genetic marker in breeding for yellow skin in Chinese indigenous chickens.

G protein-coupled receptors in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders.

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.

Cryo-EM structure of G-protein-coupled receptor GPR17 in complex with inhibitory G protein.

GPR17 is a class A orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed in neurons and oligodendrocyte progenitors of the central nervous system (CNS). The signalling of GPR17 occurs through the heterotrimeric Gi, but its activation mechanism is unclear. Here, we employed cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) technology to elucidate the structure of activated GPR17-Gi complex. The 3.02 Å resolution structure, together with mutagenesis studies, revealed that the extracellular loop2 of GPR17 occupied the orthosteric binding pocket to promote its self-activation. The active GPR17 carried several typical microswitches like other class A GPCRs. Moreover, the Gi interacted with the key residues of transmembrane helix 3 (TM3), the amphipathic helix 8 (Helix8), and intracellular loops 3 (ICL3) in GPR17 to engage in the receptor core. In summary, our results highlight the activation mechanism of GPR17 from the structural basis. Elucidating the structural and activation mechanism of GPR17 may facilitate the pharmacological intervention for acute/chronic CNS injury.