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Structural dynamics at cytosolic interprotomer interfaces control gating of a mammalian TRPM5 channel

The transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) tetrameric cation channels are involved in a wide range of biological functions, from temperature sensing and taste transduction to regulation of cardiac function, inflammatory pain, and insulin secretion. The structurally conserved TRPM cytoplasmic domains make up >70 % of the total protein. To investigate the mechanism by which the TRPM cytoplasmic domains contribute to gating, we employed electrophysiology and cryo-EM to study TRPM5—a channel that primarily relies on activation via intracellular Ca 2+ . Here, we show that activation of mammalian TRPM5 channels is strongly altered by Ca 2+ -dependent desensitization. Structures of rat TRPM5 identify a series of conformational transitions triggered by Ca 2+ binding, whereby formation and dissolution of cytoplasmic interprotomer interfaces appear to control activation and desensitization of the channel. This study shows the importance of the cytoplasmic assembly in TRPM5 channel function and sets the stage for future investigations of other members of the TRPM family.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Structure of human TRPV4 in complex with GTPase RhoA

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel TRPV4 is a polymodal cellular sensor that responds to moderate heat, cell swelling, shear stress, and small-molecule ligands. It is involved in thermogenesis, regulation of vascular tone, bone homeostasis, renal and pulmonary functions. TRPV4 is implicated in neuromuscular and skeletal disorders, pulmonary edema, and cancers, and represents an important drug target. The cytoskeletal remodeling GTPase RhoA has been shown to suppress TRPV4 activity. Here, we present a structure of the human TRPV4-RhoA complex that shows RhoA interaction with the membrane-facing surface of the TRPV4 ankyrin repeat domains. The contact interface reveals residues that are mutated in neuropathies, providing an insight into the disease pathogenesis. We also identify the binding sites of the TRPV4 agonist 4α-PDD and the inhibitor HC-067047 at the base of the S1-S4 bundle, and show that agonist binding leads to pore opening, while channel inhibition involves a π-to-α transition in the pore-forming helix S6. Our structures elucidate the interaction interface between hTRPV4 and RhoA, as well as residues at this interface that are involved in TRPV4 disease-causing mutations. They shed light on TRPV4 activation and inhibition and provide a template for the design of future therapeutics for treatment of TRPV4-related diseases.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Measurement of partial vapor pressures of salt mixtures via combined horizontal transpiration and thermogravimetric analysis

A method combining thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and horizontal transpiration with elemental analysis via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or ion chromatography enabled calculation of partial pressures of individual salts in molten mixtures. TGA quantified total mass loss, while transpiration identified vapor-phase composition. Furthermore, two chloride (NaCl-MgCl 2 , NaCl-MgCl 2 + UCl 3 ) salts and one mixed halide (LiCl-LiF + Li 2 O) salt were analyzed at 750 °C and 550 °C, respectively. NaCl and MgCl 2 vapor pressures were 2.19–2.61 × 10 -4 atm and 2.47–2.48 × 10 -5 atm (dependent upon the identity of the invesitgated mixture); UCl 3 was 1.42 × 10 -7 atm. LiCl and LiF vapor pressures at 550 °C were 1.53 × 10 -6 and 6.32 × 10 -6 atm, respectively. Additionally, the TGA method was validated against values from the literature for unary LiCl and LiF.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Molecular pathway and structural mechanism of human oncochannel TRPV6 inhibition by the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin

The calcium-selective oncochannel TRPV6 is an important driver of cell proliferation in human cancers. Despite increasing interest of pharmacological research in developing synthetic inhibitors of TRPV6, natural compounds acting at this channel have been largely neglected. On the other hand, pharmacokinetics of natural small-molecule antagonists optimized by nature throughout evolution endows these compounds with a medicinal potential to serve as potent and safe next-generation anti-cancer drugs. Here we report the structure of human TRPV6 in complex with tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a natural cannabinoid inhibitor extracted from Cannabis sativa . We use cryo-electron microscopy combined with electrophysiology, calcium imaging, mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify THCV binding sites in the portals that connect the membrane environment surrounding the protein to the central cavity of the channel pore and to characterize the allosteric mechanism of TRPV6 inhibition. We also propose the molecular pathway taken by THCV to reach its binding site. Our study provides a foundation for the development of new TRPV6-targeting drugs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Vanilloid-dependent TRPV1 opening trajectory from cryo EM ensemble analysis

Single particle cryo-EM often yields multiple protein conformations within a single dataset, but experimentally deducing the temporal relationship of these conformers within a conformational trajectory is not trivial. Here, we use thermal titration methods and cryo-EM in an attempt to obtain temporal resolution of the conformational trajectory of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 with resiniferatoxin (RTx) bound. Based on our cryo-EM ensemble analysis, RTx binding to TRPV1 appears to induce intracellular gate opening first, followed by selectivity filter dilation, then pore loop rearrangement to reach the final open state. This apparent conformational wave likely arises from the concerted, stepwise, additive structural changes of TRPV1 over many subdomains. Greater understanding of the RTx-mediated long-range allostery of TRPV1 could help further the therapeutic potential of RTx, which is a promising drug candidate for pain relief associated with advanced cancer or knee arthritis.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A single TRPV1 amino acid controls species sensitivity to capsaicin

Chili peppers produce capsaicin (a vanilloid) that activates the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) on sensory neurons to alter their membrane potential and induce pain. To identify residues responsible for differential TRPV1 capsaicin sensitivity among species, we used intracellular Ca 2+ imaging to characterize chimeras composed of capsaicin-sensitive rat TRPV1 (rTRPV1) and capsaicin-insensitive chicken TRPV1 (cTRPV1) exposed to a series of capsaicinoids. We found that chimeras containing rat E570-V686 swapped into chicken receptors displayed capsaicin sensitivity, and that simply changing the alanine at position 578 in the S4-S5 helix of the chicken receptor to a glutamic acid was sufficient to endow it with capsaicin sensitivity in the micromolar range. Moreover, introduction of lysine, glutamine or proline at residue A578 also elicited capsaicin sensitivity in cTRPV1. Similarly, replacing corresponding rTRPV1 residue E570 with lysine or glutamine retained capsaicin sensitivity. The hydrophilic capsaicin analog Cap-EA activated a cTRPV1-A578E mutant, suggesting that A578 may participate in vanilloid binding. The hydrophilic vanilloid agonist zingerone did not activate any A578 mutants with capsaicin sensitivity, suggesting that the vanilloid group alone is not sufficient for receptor activation. Our study demonstrates that a subtle modification of TRPV1 in different species globally alters capsaicin responses.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

TRPV3 activation by different agonists accompanied by lipid dissociation from the vanilloid site

TRPV3 represents both temperature- and ligand-activated transient receptor potential (TRP) channel. Physiologically relevant opening of TRPV3 channels by heat has been captured structurally, while opening by agonists has only been observed in structures of mutant channels. Here, we present cryo-EM structures that illuminate opening and inactivation of wild-type human TRPV3 in response to binding of two types of agonists: either the natural cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) or synthetic agonist 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane (2-APB). We found that THCV binds to the vanilloid site, while 2-APB binds to the S1-S4 base and ARD-TMD linker sites. Despite binding to distally located sites, both agonists induce similar pore opening and cause dissociation of a lipid that occupies the vanilloid site in their absence. Our results uncover different but converging allosteric pathways through which small-molecule agonists activate TRPV3 and provide a framework for drug design and understanding the role of lipids in ion channel function.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Structural insights into regulation of CNNM-TRPM7 divalent cation uptake by the small GTPase ARL15

Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS)-pair domain divalent metal cation transport mediators (CNNMs) are an evolutionarily conserved family of magnesium transporters. They promote efflux of Mg 2+ ions on their own and influx of divalent cations when expressed with the transient receptor potential ion channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7). Recently, ADP-ribosylation factor-like GTPase 15 (ARL15) has been identified as CNNM-binding partner and an inhibitor of divalent cation influx by TRPM7. Here, we characterize ARL15 as a GTP and CNNM-binding protein and demonstrate that ARL15 also inhibits CNNM2 Mg 2+ efflux. The crystal structure of a complex between ARL15 and CNNM2 CBS-pair domain reveals the molecular basis for binding and allowed the identification of mutations that specifically block binding. A binding deficient ARL15 mutant, R95A, failed to inhibit CNNM and TRPM7 transport of Mg 2+ and Zn 2+ ions. Structural analysis and binding experiments with phosphatase of regenerating liver 2 (PRL2 or PTP4A2) showed that ARL15 and PRLs compete for binding CNNM to coordinate regulation of ion transport by CNNM and TRPM7.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Human TRPV1 structure and inhibition by the analgesic SB-366791

Pain therapy has remained conceptually stagnant since the opioid crisis, which highlighted the dangers of treating pain with opioids. An alternative addiction-free strategy to conventional painkiller-based treatment is targeting receptors at the origin of the pain pathway, such as transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels. Thus, a founding member of the vanilloid subfamily of TRP channels, TRPV1, represents one of the most sought-after pain therapy targets. The need for selective TRPV1 inhibitors extends beyond pain treatment, to other diseases associated with this channel, including psychiatric disorders. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of human TRPV1 in the apo state and in complex with the TRPV1-specific nanomolar-affinity analgesic antagonist SB-366791. SB-366791 binds to the vanilloid site and acts as an allosteric hTRPV1 inhibitor. SB-366791 binding site is supported by mutagenesis combined with electrophysiological recordings and can be further explored to design new drugs targeting TRPV1 in disease conditions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Activation mechanism of the mouse cold-sensing TRPM8 channel by cooling agonist and PIP 2

The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel is the primary molecular transducer responsible for the cool sensation elicited by menthol and cold in mammals. TRPM8 activation is controlled by cooling compounds together with the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ). Our knowledge of cold sensation and the therapeutic potential of TRPM8 for neuroinflammatory diseases and pain will be enhanced by understanding the structural basis of cooling agonist- and PIP 2 -dependent TRPM8 activation. We present cryo–electron microscopy structures of mouse TRPM8 in closed, intermediate, and open states along the ligand- and PIP 2 -dependent gating pathway. Our results uncover two discrete agonist sites, state-dependent rearrangements in the gate positions, and a disordered-to-ordered transition of the gate-forming S6—elucidating the molecular basis of chemically induced cool sensation in mammals.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Structural mechanism of allosteric activation of TRPML1 by PI(3,5)P 2 and rapamycin

Transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) is a Ca 2+ -permeable, nonselective cation channel ubiquitously expressed in the endolysosomes of mammalian cells and its loss-of-function mutations are the direct cause of type IV mucolipidosis (MLIV), an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease. TRPML1 is a ligand-gated channel that can be activated by phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate [PI(3,5)P 2 ] as well as some synthetic small-molecule agonists. Recently, rapamycin has also been shown to directly bind and activate TRPML1. Interestingly, both PI(3,5)P 2 and rapamycin have low efficacy in channel activation individually but together they work cooperatively and activate the channel with high potency. To reveal the structural basis underlying the synergistic activation of TRPML1 by PI(3,5)P 2 and rapamycin, we determined the high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the mouse TRPML1 channel in various states, including apo closed, PI(3,5)P 2 -bound closed, and PI(3,5)P 2 /temsirolimus (a rapamycin analog)-bound open states. These structures, combined with electrophysiology, elucidate the molecular details of ligand binding and provide structural insight into how the TRPML1 channel integrates two distantly bound ligand stimuli and facilitates channel opening.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Proline hydroxylase domain-containing enzymes regulate calcium levels in cardiomyocytes by TRPA1 ion channel

Highlights: • PHD induces calcium release from cardiomyocytes through ryanodine channel. • PHD activates TRPA1 to induce extracellular calcium ions into the cell and further activate the ryanodine channel. • TRPA1 is involved in the regulation of PHD-Ca2+-AMPK signaling pathway. The proline hydroxylase domain-containing enzymes (PHDs) acts as cellular oxygen sensors, inducing a series of responses to hypoxia, especially during the regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis. The increase of Ca{sup 2+} in cardiomyocytes, induced by the opening of PHD signaling pathway, is the key initiation signal necessary for the PHD-mediated regulation of the energy metabolism pathway, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study used PHD inhibitors (PHIs) and PHD2-specific RNA interference (PHD2shRNA) to inhibit PHD signals in cardiomyocytes to explore whether transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is involved in the regulation of calcium ion influx in the PHD activation pathway associated with to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The Fluo-3AM probe was used to measure changes in free intracellular calcium ion concentrations, and Western blot analysis was used to detect the levels of phosphorylated (P)-AMPK, TRPA1, and P–Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ) levels. The PHI-mediated inhibition of PHD resulted in an increase in free Ca{sup 2+} fluorescence in cardiomyocytes, which activated AMPK, TRPA1, and CaMKⅡ. The TRPA1 inhibitor HC030031, the CaMKII inhibitor KN93, and a ryanodine inhibitor (Ryanodine) were all able to inhibit the PHI-induced increase in intracellular Ca{sup 2+} and AMPK activation. Both PHIs and PHD2shRNA were able to effectively activate CaMKII and TRPA1. However, an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R) inhibitor and the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 did not significantly inhibit the PHI-induced increase in intracellular Ca{sup 2+} and AMPK activation. These results indicated that PHD might activate the CaMKⅡ pathway through the TRPA1 ion channel, inducing the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), activating AMPK to initiate the protective effects of hypoxia in cardiomyocytes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗