Structural basis for ligand recognition and signaling of the lysophosphatidylserine receptors GPR34 and GPR174

PLoS Biol. 2023 Dec 4;21(12):e3002387. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002387. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS) is a naturally occurring lipid mediator involved in various physiological and pathological processes especially those related to the immune system. GPR34, GPR174, and P2Y10 have been identified as the receptors for LysoPS, and its analogues have been developed as agonists or antagonists for these receptors. However, the lack of structural information hinders the drug development with novel characteristics, such as nonlipid ligands and allosteric modulators. Here, we determined the structures of human GPR34 and GPR174 in complex with LysoPS and G protein by cryo-EM. Combined with structural analysis and functional studies, we elucidated the lipid-binding modes of these receptors. By structural comparison, we identified the structural features of GPR34 and GPR174 in active state. Taken together, our findings provide insights into ligand recognition and signaling of LysoPS receptors and will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for related inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Lysophospholipids* / metabolism
  • Lysophospholipids* / pharmacology
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled* / metabolism
  • Receptors, Lysophospholipid / agonists
  • Receptors, Lysophospholipid / metabolism

Substances

  • GPR174 protein, human
  • Ligands
  • lysophosphatidylserine
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Lysophospholipid
  • G-protein-coupled receptor 34

Grants and funding

W.G. is supported by the grant 2019YFA0904100 from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (https://www.most.gov.cn/), and the grant T2221005 from the Natural Science Foundation of China (https://www.nsfc.gov.cn/). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.