Professor Yunje Cho’s research team, in collaboration with other institutions, has uncovered the mysteries surrounding GPR156, a receptor protein associated with hearing, in the cochlea and vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. GPR156 is unique in that it exhibits sustained activity even without external stimuli, playing a crucial role in maintaining auditory and balance functions. By utilizing cryo-electron microscopy analysis, the team was able to achieve unprecedented resolution in studying GPR156 in both the Go-free and Go-coupled states.
The team’s investigation revealed that GPR156’s activation is dependent on its interaction with lipids in the cell membrane, leading to structural shifts upon engaging with G-proteins in the cytoplasm. Unlike other GPCRs, GPR156 demonstrates flexibility in altering the structure of the seventh helix as it traverses the cell membrane, allowing it to bind with G-proteins and activate signals to detect sound. This study marks a significant advancement in understanding the structural dynamics and activation mechanisms of GPR156, providing insights that could lead to the development of interventions for individuals with congenital hearing impairments.
Professor Yunje Cho expressed optimism that their research could lead to groundbreaking treatments and drug discoveries to alleviate the suffering of individuals with hearing and balance impairments. The financial support for this research was provided by the National Research Foundation of Korea, emphasizing the importance of this work in advancing our understanding of GPR156 and its role in auditory and balance functions.
Overall, this collaborative effort has shed light on the complexities of GPR156 and its crucial role in auditory and balance functions within the inner ear. By uncovering the structural and functional intricacies of this receptor protein, the research team has paved the way for potential interventions and drug discoveries that could benefit individuals with congenital hearing impairments. This study represents an important step forward in unraveling the mysteries surrounding GPR156 and its activation mechanisms, offering hope for improved treatments in the future.
