X-ray structures define human P2X3 receptor gating cycle and antagonist action

Steven E. Mansoor, Wei Lü, Wout Oosterheert, Mrinal Shekhar, Emad Tajkhorshid and Eric Gouaux ()
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Steven E. Mansoor: Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
Wei Lü: Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
Wout Oosterheert: Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
Mrinal Shekhar: Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Emad Tajkhorshid: Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Eric Gouaux: Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University

Nature, 2016, vol. 538, issue 7623, 66-71

Abstract: Abstract P2X receptors are trimeric, non-selective cation channels activated by ATP that have important roles in the cardiovascular, neuronal and immune systems. Despite their central function in human physiology and although they are potential targets of therapeutic agents, there are no structures of human P2X receptors. The mechanisms of receptor desensitization and ion permeation, principles of antagonism, and complete structures of the pore-forming transmembrane domains of these receptors remain unclear. Here we report X-ray crystal structures of the human P2X3 receptor in apo/resting, agonist-bound/open-pore, agonist-bound/closed-pore/desensitized and antagonist-bound/closed states. The open state structure harbours an intracellular motif we term the ‘cytoplasmic cap’, which stabilizes the open state of the ion channel pore and creates lateral, phospholipid-lined cytoplasmic fenestrations for water and ion egress. The competitive antagonists TNP-ATP and A-317491 stabilize the apo/resting state and reveal the interactions responsible for competitive inhibition. These structures illuminate the conformational rearrangements that underlie P2X receptor gating and provide a foundation for the development of new pharmacological agents.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/nature19367

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