Structure of the full-length TRPV2 channel by cryo-EM

Nat Commun. 2016 Mar 29:7:11130. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11130.

Abstract

Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins form a superfamily Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels regulated by a range of chemical and physical stimuli. Structural analysis of a 'minimal' TRP vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) elucidated a mechanism of channel activation by agonists through changes in its outer pore region. Though homologous to TRPV1, other TRPV channels (TRPV2-6) are insensitive to TRPV1 activators including heat and vanilloids. To further understand the structural basis of TRPV channel function, we determined the structure of full-length TRPV2 at ∼5 Å resolution by cryo-electron microscopy. Like TRPV1, TRPV2 contains two constrictions, one each in the pore-forming upper and lower gates. The agonist-free full-length TRPV2 has wider upper and lower gates compared with closed and agonist-activated TRPV1. We propose these newly revealed TRPV2 structural features contribute to diversity of TRPV channels.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy*
  • Ions
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Permeability
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rats
  • TRPV Cation Channels / chemistry*
  • TRPV Cation Channels / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Ions
  • Lipids
  • TRPV Cation Channels
  • Trpv1 protein, rat
  • Trpv2 protein, rat