Functional residues essential for the activation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor

Recently developed X-ray crystal structures of active state G-protein-coupled receptors have opened the way for detailed examination of the movement of the transmembrane (TM) helices and the specific residues involved in the receptor activation upon ligand binding. Previous modeling studies have indicated that the brain cannabinoid (CB1) receptor binds with a ligand at least in part through a hydrophobic tail on the ligand. This interaction is believed to be similar to the rotameric toggle switch proposed for the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR). In the present study, an active state model for the CB1 receptor, guided by the X-ray structure of the active state for β2AR, was constructed with HU210 bound as a ligand. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to provide a smooth progression between inactive and active states of the receptor. This model was compared with our previously published CB1 receptor model to identify the functional residues that play key roles in triggering receptor conformational changes upon agonist binding. Movements in TM helices and functional residues are discussed. W279(5.43), contributing to an inward movement of the fifth TM helix (TM5) to the helical core, could serve as another rotameric switch for receptor activation. V282(5.46), interacting with the ligand's hydrophobic C3 alkyl chain, appears to play a key role in TM5 inward movement centered at L286(5.50) and subsequent coupling to V204(3.40). V204(3.40), closely interacting with the TM5 and TM6 hydrophobic patch residues in the middle of the receptor, particularly I290(5.54) and L352(6.44), appears to facilitate helical rearrangements, leading to the breakage of the ionic lock and the rotameric change of Y397(7.53), which are key features of the active state.