Structure, function and pharmacology of human itch GPCRs.

ABSTRACT: The MRGPRX family of receptors (MRGPRX1-4) is a family of mas-related G-protein-coupled receptors that have evolved relatively recently¹. Of these, MRGPRX2 and MRGPRX4 are key physiological and pathological mediators of itch and related mast cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions^2-5. MRGPRX2 couples to both G_i and G_q in mast cells⁶. Here we describe agonist-stabilized structures of MRGPRX2 coupled to G_i1 and G_q in ternary complexes with the endogenous peptide cortistatin-14 and with a synthetic agonist probe, respectively, and the development of potent antagonist probes for MRGPRX2. We also describe a specific MRGPRX4 agonist and the structure of this agonist in a complex with MRGPRX4 and G_q. Together, these findings should accelerate the structure-guided discovery of therapeutic agents for pain, itch and mast cell-mediated hypersensitivity.

SUBMITTER: Cao C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9150435 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature