Molecular basis for ligand recognition and receptor activation of the prostaglandin D2 receptor DP1.

The prostaglandin D2 receptor 1 (DP1), a rhodopsin-like Class A GPCR, orchestrates critical physiological and pathological processes, ranging from sleep regulation to inflammatory responses and cardiovascular function. Despite its therapeutic significance, structural insights into DP1 activation mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, using cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM), we determined high-resolution structures of human DP1 in both inactive and active states, with the latter captured in complex with its endogenous agonist PGD2 or the synthetic agonist BW245C, bound to the stimulatory G protein, Gs.

Structural insights into the activation of the human prostaglandin E receptor EP1 subtype by prostaglandin E.

Prostaglandin E (PGE) mediates diverse physiological processes through four G protein-coupled receptor subtypes (EP1-EP4). While structures of EP2, EP3, and EP4 have been determined, the structural basis for PGE recognition and activation of the EP1 receptor subtype has remained elusive due to its inherent instability. Here, we present the cryoelectron microscopy structure of the human EP1 receptor in complex with PGE and heterotrimeric Gq protein at 2.

Molecular mechanisms of urate transport by the native human URAT1 and its inhibition by anti-gout drugs.

Gout, a common and painful disease, stems from hyperuricemia, where elevated blood urate levels lead to urate crystal formation in joints and kidneys. The human urate transporter 1 (hURAT1) plays a critical role in urate homeostasis by facilitating urate reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule, making it a key target for gout therapy. Pharmacological inhibition of hURAT1 with drugs such as dotinurad, benzbromarone, lesinurad, and verinurad promotes urate excretion and alleviates gout symptoms.

Molecular basis of lipid and ligand regulation of prostaglandin receptor DP2.

Prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (DP2) is an important anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drug target. While inactive DP2 structures are known, its activation mechanisms and biased signaling remain unclear. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of an apo DP2-Gi complex, a DP2-Gi complex bound to the endogenous ligand Prostaglandin D (PGD), and a DP2-Gi complex bound to indomethacin, an arrestin-biased ligand, at resolutions of 2.