The cytoplasmic helix of cannabinoid receptor CB2, a conformational study by circular dichroism and (1)H NMR spectroscopy in aqueous and membrane-like environments

J Pept Res. 2002 Sep;60(3):169-77. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-3011.2002.21012.x.

Abstract

The cytoplasmic helix domain (fourth cytoplasmic loop, helix 8) of numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as rhodopsin and the beta-adrenergic receptor exhibit unique structural and functional characteristics. Computer models also predict this structure for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, another member of the GPCR superfamily. In our study, a peptide corresponding to helix 8 of the CB2 receptor was synthesized chemically and its secondary structure determined by circular dichroism (CD) and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. NMR and CD revealed an alpha-helical structure in this region in both dodecylphosphocholine micelles and dimethylsulfoxide, in contrast to a random coil configuration found in aqueous solvent. This finding is in good agreement with other previous GPCR structural studies including X-ray crystallography. By combining our finding with other studies, we further hypothesize that the amphipathic nature of helix 8 can play a significant role in the function and regulation of CB receptors as well as other GPCRs in general.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Circular Dichroism
  • Computer Simulation
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Micelles
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug / chemistry*
  • Thermodynamics
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Micelles
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug
  • Water