Die Entfaltung der C-terminalen α-Helix des Neuropeptids Y ist entscheidend für die Bindung und Aktivierung des Y2-Rezeptors

Binding of Natural Peptide Ligands to the Neuropeptide Y5 Receptor

The binding mode of natural peptide ligands to the Y5 G protein-coupled receptor (Y5 R), an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity, is largely unknown. Here, we apply complementary biochemical and computational approaches, including scanning of the receptor surface with a genetically encoded crosslinker, Ala-scanning of the ligand and double-cycle mutagenesis, to map interactions in the ligand-receptor interface and build a structural model of the NPY-Y5 R complex guided by the experimental data. In the model, the carboxyl (C)-terminus of bound NPY is placed close to the extracellular loop (ECL) 3, whereas the characteristic α-helical segment of the ligand drapes over ECL1 and is tethered towards ECL2 by a hydrophobic cluster. We further show that the other two natural ligands of Y5 R, peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) dock to the receptor in a similar pose.

The Conformational Equilibrium of the Neuropeptide Y2 Receptor in Bilayer Membranes

Dynamic structural transitions within the seven-transmembrane bundle represent the mechanism by which G-protein-coupled receptors convert an extracellular chemical signal into an intracellular biological function. Here, the conformational dynamics of the neuropeptide Y receptor type 2 (Y2R) during activation was investigated. The apo, full agonist-, and arrestin-bound states of Y2R were prepared by cell-free expression, functional refolding, and reconstitution into lipid membranes. To study conformational transitions between these states, all six tryptophans of Y2R were 13 C-labeled. NMR-signal assignment was achieved by dynamic-nuclear-polarization enhancement and the individual functional states of the receptor were characterized by monitoring 13 C NMR chemical shifts. Activation of Y2R is mediated by molecular switches involving the toggle switch residue Trp2816.48 of the highly conserved SWLP motif and Trp3277.55 adjacent to the NPxxY motif. Furthermore, a conformationally preserved "cysteine lock"-Trp11623.50 was identified.

A Deep Hydrophobic Binding Cavity is the Main Interaction for Different Y2 R Antagonists

The neuropeptide Y₂ receptor (Y₂ R) is involved in various pathophysiological processes such as epilepsy, mood disorders, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. Therefore, the Y₂ R is an interesting target for drug development. A detailed understanding of the binding pocket could facilitate the development of highly selective antagonists to study the role of Y₂ R in vitro and in vivo. In this study, several residues crucial to the interaction of BIIE0246 and SF-11 derivatives with Y₂ R were investigated by signal transduction assays. Using the experimental results as constraints, the antagonists were docked into a comparative structural model of the Y₂ R. Despite differences in size and structure, all three antagonists display a similar binding site, including a deep hydrophobic cavity formed by transmembrane helices (TM) 4, 5, and 6, as well as a hydrophobic patch at the top of TM2 and 7. Additionally, we suggest that the antagonists block Q^3.32 , a position that has been shown to be crucial for binding of the amidated C terminus of NPY and thus for receptor activation.

Solution Structure and Constrained Molecular Dynamics Study of Vitamin B12 Conjugates of the Anorectic Peptide PYY(3-36)

Vitamin B12 -peptide conjugates have considerable therapeutic potential through improved pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties imparted on the peptide upon covalent attachment to vitamin B12 (B12 ). There remains a lack of structural studies investigating the effects of B12 conjugation on peptide secondary structure. Determining the solution structure of a B12 -peptide conjugate or conjugates and measuring functions of the conjugate(s) at the target peptide receptor may offer considerable insight concerning the future design of fully optimized conjugates. This methodology is especially useful in tandem with constrained molecular dynamics (MD) studies, such that predictions may be made about conjugates not yet synthesized. Focusing on two B12 conjugates of the anorectic peptide PYY(3-36), one of which was previously demonstrated to have improved food intake reduction compared with PYY(3-36), we performed NMR structural analyses and used the information to conduct MD simulations. The study provides rare structural insight into vitamin B12 conjugates and validates the fact that B12 can be conjugated to a peptide without markedly affecting peptide secondary structure.