The structure of a membrane adenylyl cyclase bound to an activated stimulatory G protein

Science. 2019 Apr 26;364(6438):389-394. doi: 10.1126/science.aav0778.

Abstract

Membrane-integral adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are key enzymes in mammalian heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein (G protein)-dependent signal transduction, which is important in many cellular processes. Signals received by the G protein-coupled receptors are conveyed to ACs through G proteins to modulate the levels of cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Here, we describe the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the bovine membrane AC9 bound to an activated G protein αs subunit at 3.4-angstrom resolution. The structure reveals the organization of the membrane domain and helical domain that spans between the membrane and catalytic domains of AC9. The carboxyl-terminal extension of the catalytic domain occludes both the catalytic and the allosteric sites of AC9, inducing a conformation distinct from the substrate- and activator-bound state, suggesting a regulatory role in cAMP production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenylyl Cyclases / chemistry*
  • Adenylyl Cyclases / ultrastructure
  • Animals
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Cattle
  • Cell Membrane / enzymology*
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Cyclic AMP / chemistry
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs / chemistry*
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs / ultrastructure
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Cyclic AMP
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs
  • Adenylyl Cyclases
  • adenylate cyclase 9