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Organization of rhodopsin molecules in native membranes of rod cells–an old theoretical model compared to new experimental data

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Abstract

It has been shown that rhodopsin forms an oligomer in the shape of long double rows of monomers. Because of the importance of rhodopsin as a template for all G protein-coupled receptors, its dimeric, tetrameric and higher-oligomeric structures also provide a useful pattern for similar structures in GPCRs. New experimental data published recently are discussed in the context of a proposed model of the rhodopsin oligomer 1N3M deposited in the protein data bank. The new rhodopsin structure at 2.2 Å resolution with all residues resolved as well as an electron cryomicroscopy structure from 2D crystals of rhodopsin are in agreement with the 1N3M model. Accommodation of movement of transmembrane helix VI, regarded as a major event during the activation of rhodopsin, in a steady structure of the oligomer is also discussed.

Figure Superimposition of the 1U19 (red wire), 1GZM (purple wire) and 1N3M (blue wire) rhodopsin structures. Size of the wires is proportional to thermal factors of backbone Cα atoms, view parallel to the membrane.

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Abbreviations

GPCR:

G protein-coupled receptor

PDB:

Protein data bank

TMH:

Transmembrane helix

ROS:

Rod outer segment

ET:

Evolutionary trace

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by funds from Polish State Committee for Scientific Research grant 3P05F02625. Calculations were performed partly in ICM Computer Centre in Warsaw.

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  1. International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 Ks. Trojdena St, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland

    Slawomir Filipek

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  1. Slawomir Filipek
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Correspondence to Slawomir Filipek.

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Filipek, S. Organization of rhodopsin molecules in native membranes of rod cells–an old theoretical model compared to new experimental data. J Mol Model 11, 385–391 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00894-005-0268-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00894-005-0268-3

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