Structure of the agonist-bound neurotensin receptor

Nature. 2012 Oct 25;490(7421):508-13. doi: 10.1038/nature11558. Epub 2012 Oct 10.

Abstract

Neurotensin (NTS) is a 13-amino-acid peptide that functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone through the activation of the neurotensin receptor NTSR1, a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In the brain, NTS modulates the activity of dopaminergic systems, opioid-independent analgesia, and the inhibition of food intake; in the gut, NTS regulates a range of digestive processes. Here we present the structure at 2.8 Å resolution of Rattus norvegicus NTSR1 in an active-like state, bound to NTS(8-13), the carboxy-terminal portion of NTS responsible for agonist-induced activation of the receptor. The peptide agonist binds to NTSR1 in an extended conformation nearly perpendicular to the membrane plane, with the C terminus oriented towards the receptor core. Our findings provide, to our knowledge, the first insight into the binding mode of a peptide agonist to a GPCR and may support the development of non-peptide ligands that could be useful in the treatment of neurological disorders, cancer and obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Bacteriophage T4
  • Binding Sites
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Models, Molecular
  • Muramidase
  • Mutation
  • Neurotensin / chemistry
  • Neurotensin / genetics
  • Neurotensin / metabolism*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Neurotensin / agonists*
  • Receptors, Neurotensin / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Neurotensin / genetics
  • Receptors, Neurotensin / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Neurotensin
  • Neurotensin
  • Muramidase

Associated data

  • PDB/4GRV