Structural insights into the inactive state of the adhesion GPCR ADGRV1

Abstract

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are involved in numerous physiological processes, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and are associated with several human diseases. ADGRV1 is a member of the aGPCR family and plays a significant role in the sensorineural systems. Mutations of ADGRV1 are linked to the Usher syndrome, a genetic disorder causing deafness and blindness in human. However, the molecular mechanisms that control the activity of ADGRV1 remain unclear. In this study, we present the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the inactive ADGRV1 receptor in complex with the nanobody RE02, providing detailed insights into its transmembrane domain, intracellular loop conformations and the inactive orthosteric site. Functional cellular assays revealed that ADGRV1 exhibits a weak constitutive activation independent of the tethered agonist peptide, primarily coupling with Gi proteins. These findings suggest that ADGRV1 may employ an alternative activation mechanism, distinct that from other aGPCRs reported so far. Our structural analysis highlights that ADGRV1 does not follow the conventional tethered agonist activation mechanism. This is due to the divergent sequence of its tethered agonist peptide, as well as the lack of residues critical for conformational transitions toward the active state in other aGPCRs. Moreover, the large intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) adopts a closed conformation, tightly packed against the transmembrane region of ADGRV1. This suggests that the ICL3 loop can compete with G-protein binding, ultimately acting as an additional barrier for ADGRV1 activation. Significance StatementAdhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) regulate essential processes such as cell communication and sensory function, yet the mechanisms controlling many family members remain poorly understood. We report the first high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human receptor ADGRV1, a protein linked to Usher syndrome, a major genetic cause of deafness and blindness. Structural and functional analyses reveal that ADGRV1 displays weak constitutive signaling and likely operates through an activation mechanism distinct from the canonical tethered agonist model that defines most aGPCRs. Unique structural features, including a closed intracellular loop (ICL3) that may limit G-protein engagement, suggest an alternative regulatory strategy. These findings expand the conceptual framework of aGPCR activation and provide a foundation for understanding ADGRV1 function in sensory physiology and disease.