9DMG

Human muscle nAChR apo state

Summary for 9DMG

• Entry DOI: 10.2210/pdb9dmg/pdb
• EMDB information: 47003
• Descriptor: Acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha, alpha-D-mannopyranose, CHOLESTEROL, ... (11 entities in total)
• Functional Keywords: human muscle, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, membrane protein
• Biological source: Homo sapiens (human); More
• Total number of polymer chains: 5
• Total formula weight: 285708.34

Authors

Li, H.,Hibbs, R.E. (deposition date: 2024-09-13, release date: 2025-04-09, Last modification date: 2025-10-22)

Primary citation

Li, H.,Pham, M.C.,Teng, J.,O'Connor, K.C.,Noviello, C.M.,Hibbs, R.E.
Autoimmune mechanisms elucidated through muscle acetylcholine receptor structures.
Cell, 188:2390-2406.e20, 2025

PubMed Abstract: Skeletal muscle contraction is triggered by acetylcholine (ACh) binding to its ionotropic receptors (AChRs) at neuromuscular junctions. In myasthenia gravis (MG), autoantibodies target AChRs, disrupting neurotransmission and causing muscle weakness. While treatments exist, variable patient responses suggest pathogenic heterogeneity. Progress in understanding the molecular basis of MG has been limited by the absence of structures of intact human muscle AChRs. Here, we present high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human adult AChR in different functional states. Using six MG patient-derived monoclonal antibodies, we mapped distinct epitopes involved in diverse pathogenic mechanisms, including receptor blockade, internalization, and complement activation. Electrophysiological and binding assays revealed how these autoantibodies directly inhibit AChR channel activation. These findings provide critical insights into MG immunopathogenesis, uncovering unrecognized antibody epitope diversity and modes of receptor inhibition, and provide a framework for developing personalized therapies targeting antibody-mediated autoimmune disorders.

PubMed: 40203823
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.03.004

Experimental method

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (2.05 Å)