9QP4

Pre-active dark-state structure of human short-wave-sensitive opsin (OPN1SW)

Summary for 9QP4

• Entry DOI: 10.2210/pdb9qp4/pdb
• Related: 9IBW
• EMDB information: 53268
• Descriptor: Short-wave-sensitive opsin 1,Soluble cytochrome b562, Light chain BRIL Fab SRP2070, Heavy chain BRIL Fab SRP2070, ... (4 entities in total)
• Functional Keywords: human daylight vision, gpcr, opn1sw, blue cone opsin, membrane protein
• Biological source: Homo sapiens (human); More
• Total number of polymer chains: 3
• Total formula weight: 102625.37

Authors

Schmidt, S.L.,Isaikina, P. (deposition date: 2025-03-26, release date: 2026-06-24, Last modification date: 2026-07-08)

Primary citation

Schmidt, S.L.,Dostal, J.,Sen, S.,Hovan, A.,Walter, D.,Appleby, M.V.,Kojima, A.,Kato, H.E.,Beale, J.H.,Kloz, M.,Schertler, G.F.X.,Isaikina, P.
Illuminating the molecular basis of human daylight vision.
Science, 392:eadz3624-eadz3624, 2026

PubMed Abstract: Photopic vision, including fast motion and color perception in daylight, is mediated by cone opsins, specialized G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Despite sharing the same chromophore, the three receptor subtypes absorb light at different wavelengths of the visible spectrum. The molecular mechanisms governing their spectral properties and exceptionally rapid responses remain largely unknown. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human blue-sensitive (OPN1SW) and green-sensitive (OPN1MW) cone opsins in their dark-adapted states, combined with femtosecond-resolution spectroscopy, functional assays, and advanced simulations. The data reveal distinct chromophore stabilization mechanisms across human visual opsins and specific sequence adaptations in the GPCR microswitch motifs, underlining their structural plasticity and distinct activation mechanisms. These findings delineate the molecular basis of the evolutionary refinements fulfilling the needs of vision in daylight.

PubMed: 42348698
DOI: 10.1126/science.adz3624

Experimental method

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (3.06 Å)