Structural insights into the human P2X1 receptor and ligand interactions

Bennetts, FM; Venugopal, H; Glukhova, A; Mobbs, JI; Ventura, S; Thal, DM

Author(s): Bennetts, FM; Venugopal, H; Glukhova, A; Mobbs, JI; Ventura, S; Thal, DM;
Details: Publication Year 2024-09-28,Volume 15,Issue #1,Page 8418
Journal Title: Nature Communications
Abstract: The P2X1 receptor is a trimeric ligand-gated ion channel that plays an important role in urogenital and immune functions, offering the potential for new drug treatments. However, progress in this area has been hindered by limited structural information and a lack of well-characterised tool compounds. In this study, we employ cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to elucidate the structures of the P2X1 receptor in an ATP-bound desensitised state and an NF449-bound closed state. NF449, a potent P2X1 receptor antagonist, engages the receptor distinctively, while ATP, the endogenous ligand, binds in a manner consistent with other P2X receptors. To explore the molecular basis of receptor inhibition, activation, and ligand interactions, key residues involved in ligand and metal ion binding were mutated. Radioligand binding assays with [(3)H]-α,β-methylene ATP and intracellular calcium ion influx assays were used to evaluate the effects of these mutations. These experiments validate key ligand-receptor interactions and identify conserved and non-conserved residues critical for ligand binding or receptor modulation. This research expands our understanding of the P2X1 receptor structure at a molecular level and opens new avenues for in silico drug design targeting the P2X1 receptor.
Publisher: Springer Nature
Keywords: Humans; *Receptors, Purinergic P2X1/metabolism/chemistry/genetics; *Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism; Ligands; *Cryoelectron Microscopy; *Purinergic P2X Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology; HEK293 Cells; Protein Binding; Binding Sites; Models, Molecular; Benzenesulfonates
Research Division(s): Structural Biology
PubMed ID: 39341830
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52776-7
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52776-7
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-10-04 10:44:47

Last Modified: 2024-10-04 10:51:24