Molecular recognition and activation of the prostacyclin receptor by anti-pulmonary arterial hypertension drugs

Sci Adv. 2024 Feb 9;10(6):eadk5184. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk5184. Epub 2024 Feb 9.

Abstract

The prostacyclin (PGI2) receptor (IP) is a Gs-coupled receptor associated with blood pressure regulation, allergy, and inflammatory response. It is a main therapeutic target for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and several other diseases. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human IP-Gs complex bound with two anti-PAH drugs, treprostinil and MRE-269 (active form of selexipag), at global resolutions of 2.56 and 2.41 angstrom, respectively. These structures revealed distinct features governing IP ligand binding, receptor activation, and G protein coupling. Moreover, comparison of the activated IP structures uncovered the mechanism and key residues that determine the superior selectivity of MRE-269 over treprostinil. Combined with molecular docking and functional studies, our structures provide insight into agonist selectivity, ligand recognition, receptor activation, and G protein coupling. Our results provide a structural template for further improving IP-targeting drugs to reduce off-target activation of prostanoid receptors and adverse effects.

MeSH terms

  • Acetates*
  • Antihypertensive Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antihypertensive Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • GTP-Binding Proteins*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Pyrazines*
  • Receptors, Epoprostenol / agonists

Substances

  • (4-((5,6-diphenylpyrazin-2-yl)(isopropyl)amino)butoxy)acetic acid
  • Acetates
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Pyrazines
  • Receptors, Epoprostenol
  • treprostinil