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Publication Abstract from PubMed

Apelin is a key hormone in cardiovascular homeostasis that activates the apelin receptor (APLNR), which is regarded as a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. However, adverse effects through the beta-arrestin pathway limit its pharmacological use. Here, we report cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of APLNR-G(i1) complexes bound to three agonists with divergent signaling profiles. Combined with functional assays, we have identified "twin hotspots" in APLNR as key determinants for signaling bias, guiding the rational design of two exclusive G-protein-biased agonists WN353 and WN561. Cryo-EM structures of WN353- and WN561-stimulated APLNR-G protein complexes further confirm that the designed ligands adopt the desired poses. Pathophysiological experiments have provided evidence that WN561 demonstrates superior therapeutic effects against cardiac hypertrophy and reduced adverse effects compared with the established APLNR agonists. In summary, our designed APLNR modulator may facilitate the development of next-generation cardiovascular medications.

Structure-based design of non-hypertrophic apelin receptor modulator.,Wang WW, Ji SY, Zhang W, Zhang J, Cai C, Hu R, Zang SK, Miao L, Xu H, Chen LN, Yang Z, Guo J, Qin J, Shen DD, Liang P, Zhang Y, Zhang Y Cell. 2024 Mar 14;187(6):1460-1475.e20. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.004. Epub , 2024 Feb 29. PMID:38428423^[2]

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