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| Title | Structural insight into ligand binding and activation of the orphan GPCR Mas1. |
|---|---|
| Journal, issue, pages | EMBO J, Year 2026 |
| Publish date | Mar 30, 2026 |
Authors | Yumu Zhang / Qiuying Wang / Heng Liu / Hong Shan / Yimin Gu / Jiaqi Yang / Yuan Gao / Kai Wu / Dehua Yang / H Eric Xu / ![]() |
| PubMed Abstract | The Mas1 receptor, an orphan class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), plays pivotal roles in cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory regulation. Despite its therapeutic relevance, the structural ...The Mas1 receptor, an orphan class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), plays pivotal roles in cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory regulation. Despite its therapeutic relevance, the structural mechanisms underlying Mas1 ligand binding and activation remain poorly understood. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of Mas1 bound to two chemically distinct agonists-neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and synthetic small-molecule AR234958-captured in complex with inhibitory G proteins. These structures reveal a conserved orthosteric binding pocket accommodating both ligands through shared hydrophobic interactions. Unlike many other class A GPCRs that rely on direct W toggle switch engagement, Mas1 adopts a non-canonical activation strategy driven by a ligand-induced hydrophobic compression plane involving residues Y248, L87, I84, and L266 at the bottom of the ligand binding pocket. This mechanism transmits mechanical tension to promote TM6 displacement and G protein coupling. Functional mutagenesis validates this model, identifying two transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) residues, M244 and F237, as critical molecular switches. Comparative analyses of Mas1-related receptors, MRGPRX1-X4, reveal conserved features and mechanistic divergence within this subfamily. These findings provide a structural framework for understanding Mas1 pharmacology and rational design of selective therapeutics. |
External links | EMBO J / PubMed:41912627 |
| Methods | EM (single particle) |
| Resolution | 2.54 - 2.77 Å |
| Structure data | EMDB-66514, PDB-9x3y: EMDB-66515, PDB-9x3z: |
| Source |
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Keywords | PEPTIDE BINDING PROTEIN / GPCR / Agonist / Orphan Receptor |
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