Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol.384, No.2, 243-248, 2009
Structural biology of human cannabinoid receptor-2 helix 6 in membrane-mimetic environments
We detail the Structure and dynamics of a synthetic peptide corresponding to transmembrane helix 6 (TMH6) of human cannabinoid receptor-2 (hCB2) in biomembrane-mimetic environments. The peptide's NMR structural biology is characterized by two alpha-helical domains bridged by a flexible, nonhelical hinge region containing a highly-conserved CWFP motif with an environmentally sensitive, Pro-based conformational switch. Buried within the peptide's flexible region, W-258 may hydrogen-bond with L-255 to help stabilize the Pro-kinked hCB2 TMH6 structure and position C-257 advantageously for interaction with agonist ligands. These characteristics of hCB2 TMH6 are potential Structural features of ligand-induced hCB2 activation in vivo. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords:Agonist ligand;Conformational switch;G protein-coupled receptor;High-resolution NMR;Peptide helix;Proline;Spectrofluorometry;Structural biology;Transmembrane protein;Tryptophan