Primary Citation of Related Structures:   5WF5, 5WF6
PubMed Abstract: 
Sodium ions are endogenous allosteric modulators of many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Mutation of key residues in the sodium binding motif causes a striking effect on G-protein signaling. We report the crystal structures of agonist complexes for two variants in the first sodium coordination shell of the human A 2A adenosine receptor, D52 2 ...
Sodium ions are endogenous allosteric modulators of many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Mutation of key residues in the sodium binding motif causes a striking effect on G-protein signaling. We report the crystal structures of agonist complexes for two variants in the first sodium coordination shell of the human A 2A adenosine receptor, D52 2.50 N and S91 3.39 A. Both structures present an overall active-like conformation; however, the variants show key changes in the activation motif NPxxY. Changes in the hydrogen bonding network in this microswitch suggest a possible mechanism for modified G-protein signaling and enhanced thermal stability. These structures, signaling data, and thermal stability analysis with a panel of pharmacological ligands provide a basis for understanding the role of the sodium-coordinating residues on stability and G-protein signaling. Utilizing the D 2.50 N variant is a promising method for stabilizing class A GPCRs to accelerate structural efforts and drug discovery.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center, University of Southern California, 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA. Electronic address: stevens@usc.edu.