Cryo-EM structures of the human endolysosomal TRPML3 channel in three distinct states

Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2017 Dec;24(12):1146-1154. doi: 10.1038/nsmb.3502. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Abstract

TRPML3 channels are mainly localized to endolysosomes and play a critical role in the endocytic pathway. Their dysfunction causes deafness and pigmentation defects in mice. TRPML3 activity is inhibited by low endolysosomal pH. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human TRPML3 in the closed, agonist-activated, and low-pH-inhibited states, with resolutions of 4.06, 3.62, and 4.65 Å, respectively. The agonist ML-SA1 lodges between S5 and S6 and opens an S6 gate. A polycystin-mucolipin domain (PMD) forms a luminal cap. S1 extends into this cap, forming a 'gating rod' that connects directly to a luminal pore loop, which undergoes dramatic conformational changes in response to low pH. S2 extends intracellularly and interacts with several intracellular regions to form a 'gating knob'. These unique structural features, combined with the results of electrophysiological studies, indicate a new mechanism by which luminal pH and other physiological modulators such as PIP2 regulate TRPML3 by changing S1 and S2 conformations.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites / physiology
  • Cell Line
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy / methods*
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Domains / physiology*
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Sf9 Cells
  • Spodoptera
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels / genetics
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels / metabolism*

Substances

  • MCOLN3 protein, human
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels