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<p>The κ-opioid receptor (κOR) represents a promising non-addictive analgesic target due to its critical role in pain and reward pathways. Despite evidence of κOR dimerization, its molecular basis and pharmacological significance remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate stable κOR dimer formation in living cells and present cryo-electron microscopy structures of salvinorin A-bound κOR dimer complexed with two G<sub>i</sub> proteins, revealing a parallel assembly distinct from previously characterized GPCR dimers that engage only single G protein. Multiple membrane lipids are positioned at the TM1-Helix 8 interface, where they make extensive contacts with both protomers and may contribute to the stability of the κOR dimer. Importantly, dimerization significantly enhances G<sub>i</sub> protein recruitment to κOR in both potency and efficacy. We also demonstrate that salvinorin A, a non-nitrogenous agonist, binds similarly in monomeric and dimeric κOR, and identify Y312<sup>7.35</sup> as a critical selectivity determinant across opioid receptors. These findings expand our understanding of opioid receptor pharmacology and signaling, providing a foundation for developing superior κOR-targeted therapeutics for pain and related disorders.</p>

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Structural characterization of kappa-opioid receptor dimer in complex with two G proteins

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月29日

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  • Yuxi Zhao,
  • Chanjuan Xu,
  • Yue Wang,
  • Hong Shan,
  • Jing Wang,
  • Yuxuan Liu,
  • Xin Luo,
  • Junrui Li,
  • Mingyang Li,
  • Yini Liu,
  • Kai Wu,
  • Bryan L. Roth,
  • Xi-Ping Huang,
  • H. Eric Xu,
  • Jianfeng Liu,
  • Youwen Zhuang

摘要

The κ-opioid receptor (κOR) represents a promising non-addictive analgesic target due to its critical role in pain and reward pathways. Despite evidence of κOR dimerization, its molecular basis and pharmacological significance remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate stable κOR dimer formation in living cells and present cryo-electron microscopy structures of salvinorin A-bound κOR dimer complexed with two Gi proteins, revealing a parallel assembly distinct from previously characterized GPCR dimers that engage only single G protein. Multiple membrane lipids are positioned at the TM1-Helix 8 interface, where they make extensive contacts with both protomers and may contribute to the stability of the κOR dimer. Importantly, dimerization significantly enhances Gi protein recruitment to κOR in both potency and efficacy. We also demonstrate that salvinorin A, a non-nitrogenous agonist, binds similarly in monomeric and dimeric κOR, and identify Y3127.35 as a critical selectivity determinant across opioid receptors. These findings expand our understanding of opioid receptor pharmacology and signaling, providing a foundation for developing superior κOR-targeted therapeutics for pain and related disorders.