A structural basis for constitutive activity in the human CAR/RXRalpha heterodimer.
The X-ray crystal structure of the human constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3)/retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha, NR2B1) heterodimer sheds light on the mechanism of ligand-independent activation of transcription by nuclear receptors. CAR contains a single-turn Helix X that restricts the conformational freedom of the C-terminal AF2 helix, favoring the active state of the receptor. Helix X and AF2 sit atop four amino acids that shield the CAR ligand binding pocket. A fatty acid ligand was identified in the RXRalpha binding pocket. The endogenous RXRalpha ligand, combined with stabilizing interactions from the heterodimer interface, served to hold RXRalpha in an active conformation. The structure suggests that upon translocation, CAR/RXRalpha heterodimers are preorganized in an active conformation in cells such that they can regulate transcription of target genes. Insights into the molecular basis of CAR constitutive activity can be exploited in the design of inverse agonists as drugs for treatment of obesity.
Xu
Robert X
RX
Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. robert.x.xu@gsk.com
Lambert
Millard H
MH
Wisely
Bruce B
BB
Warren
Erin N
EN
Weinert
Emily E
EE
Waitt
Gregory M
GM
Williams
Jon D
JD
Collins
Jon L
JL
Moore
Linda B
LB
Willson
Timothy M
TM
Moore
John T
JT
D001665:Binding Sites; D000090702:Constitutive Androstane Receptor; D019281:Dimerization; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D010091:Oximes / Q000378:metabolism; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D047490:Retinoid X Receptor alpha / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
D000090702:Constitutive Androstane Receptor; D008024:Ligands; C000716327:NR1I3 protein, human; D010091:Oximes; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D047490:Retinoid X Receptor alpha; D013844:Thiazoles; D014157:Transcription Factors; C475093:6-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo(2,1-b)(1,3)thiazole-5-carbaldehyde O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxime