9vo2
Cryo-EM structure of the OXGR1(CA)-Gq complex
Structural highlights
FunctionGBB1_HUMAN Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) are involved as a modulator or transducer in various transmembrane signaling systems. The beta and gamma chains are required for the GTPase activity, for replacement of GDP by GTP, and for G protein-effector interaction.[1] Publication Abstract from PubMedRosacea, an inflammatory skin disorder, poses a dilemma owing to limited effectiveness of treatments for pathological vasodilation-mediated erythema. Here, we identify oxoglutaric acid (alpha-KG) as a rosacea-associated metabolite elevated in patients and correlated with erythema severity. Exogenous alpha-KG administration ameliorates rosacea-like manifestations in murine models. Mechanistically, alpha-KG activates OXGR1, a vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-enriched G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to induce Gq signaling and enhance MYL9 phosphorylation, promoting VSMC contraction and limiting vasodilation. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of OXGR1-Gq complexes bound to alpha-KG or itaconate reveal a specific bipartite-acid pocket recognizing its endogenous agonist and an activation mechanism distinct from classical GPCRs. Building on these structures, we developed A-1, a synthetic selective OXGR1 agonist that mitigates erythema and inflammation with efficacy comparable to first-line therapy while offering enhanced safety in rosacea-like models. These findings link a metabolite to vascular dysfunction and nominate OXGR1 agonism for precision treatment of erythema and vascular disorders. Metabolite-gated vascular contractility switch: OXGR1 activation mechanism enables agonist therapy for rosacea erythema.,Xiao W, Zhu Y, Tang X, Zhu K, Zhang W, Chen M, Cai K, Xu S, Wu Z, Wang M, Liu J, Long L, Tan Z, Wu A, Zhou S, Zhao Z, Tang Y, Huang Y, Wang B, Liu F, Wang Q, Yang F, Jian D, Shi W, Xie H, Chen X, Guo L, Deng Z, Sun J, Li J Cell. 2026 Mar 5:S0092-8674(26)00164-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.01.036. PMID:41791372[2] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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