8j1a

Publication Abstract from PubMed

GPR84 is an orphan class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is predominantly expressed in immune cells and plays important roles in inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolism. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Galpha(i) protein-coupled human GPR84 bound to a synthetic lipid-mimetic ligand, LY237, or a putative endogenous ligand, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) 3-hydroxy lauric acid (3-OH-C12). Analysis of these two ligand-bound structures reveals a unique hydrophobic nonane tail -contacting patch, which forms a blocking wall to select MCFA-like agonists with the correct length. We also identify the structural features in GPR84 that coordinate the polar ends of LY237 and 3-OH-C12, including the interactions with the positively charged side chain of R172 and the downward movement of the extracellular loop 2 (ECL2). Together with molecular dynamics simulations and functional data, our structures reveal that ECL2 not only contributes to direct ligand binding, but also plays a pivotal role in ligand entry from the extracellular milieu. These insights into the structure and function of GPR84 could improve our understanding of ligand recognition, receptor activation, and Galpha(i)-coupling of GPR84. Our structures could also facilitate rational drug discovery against inflammation and metabolic disorders targeting GPR84.

Structural insights into ligand recognition and activation of the medium-chain fatty acid-sensing receptor GPR84.,Liu H, Zhang Q, He X, Jiang M, Wang S, Yan X, Cheng X, Liu Y, Nan FJ, Xu HE, Xie X, Yin W Nat Commun. 2023 Jun 6;14(1):3271. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-38985-6. PMID:37277332^[3]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.