Structural insights into the engagement of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 with different G proteins

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are bioactive lysophospholipids derived from cell membranes that activate the endothelial differentiation gene family of G protein-coupled receptors. Activation of these receptors triggers multiple downstream signaling cascades through G proteins such as Gi/o, Gq/11, and G12/13. Therefore, LPA and S1P mediate several physiological processes, including cytoskeletal dynamics, neurite retraction, cell migration, cell proliferation, and intracellular ion fluxes. The basis for the G-protein coupling selectivity of EDG receptors, however, remains unknown. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of LPA-activated LPA1 in complexes with G_i, G_q, and G₁₃ heterotrimers_. Comparison of the three LPA1-G protein structures shows clearly different conformations of intracellular loop 2 (ICL2) and ICL3 that are likely induced by the different Gα protein interfaces. Interestingly, this G-protein interface interaction is a common feature of LPA and S1P receptors. Our findings provide clues to understanding the promiscuity of G-protein coupling in the endothelial differentiation gene family.