Structural insights into TRPV2 activation by small molecules

Nat Commun. 2022 Apr 28;13(1):2334. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-30083-3.

Abstract

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) is involved in many critical physiological and pathophysiological processes, making it a promising drug target. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of rat TRPV2 in lipid nanodiscs activated by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and propose a TRPV2-specific 2-ABP binding site at the interface of S5 of one monomer and the S4-S5 linker of the adjacent monomer. In silico docking and electrophysiological studies confirm the key role of His521 and Arg539 in 2-APB activation of TRPV2. Additionally, electrophysiological experiments show that the combination of 2-APB and cannabidiol has a synergetic effect on TRPV2 activation, and cryo-EM structures demonstrate that both drugs were able to bind simultaneously. Together, our cryo-EM structures represent multiple functional states of the channel, providing a native picture of TRPV2 activation by small molecules and a structural framework for the development of TRPV2-specific activators.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Protein Domains
  • Rats
  • TRPV Cation Channels* / metabolism

Substances

  • TRPV Cation Channels
  • Trpv2 protein, rat