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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.03.26.714415

Activation mechanism of class A GPCRs: machine learninganalysis of experimental structural databases

Paajanen, S. E.·Eurasto, F.·Kulig, W.·Korshunova, K.·Kaptan, S.·Vattulainen, I.
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Abstract

Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography have dramatically increased the number of class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) structures, especially in previously inaccessible G protein-bound, active-like conformations. The increased structural diversity provides a unique opportunity to explore the conformational landscape underlying GPCR activation. To this end, we developed a machine learning (ML) framework that utilizes experimental structural data to elucidate the activation dynamics of class A GPCRs. We find that receptors can populate both inactive and active-like conformations even in the absence of ligand or G protein, providing a structural basis for agonist-free basal activity. Agonist binding shifts this conformational ensemble towards the active state but does not fully stabilize it. Instead, a stable active state is only established upon G protein binding, which locks the receptor in its active conformation. These results support a hybrid activation mechanism in which ligand binding follows conformational selection, while transducer engagement is governed by induced fit. Beyond clarifying class A GPCR activation, the openly available and modifiable ML framework provides a practical tool for analyzing newly determined structures, investigating the mechanisms of action of other GPCR classes and protein families, and guiding structure-based drug discovery in important pharmacological superfamilies. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=71 SRC="FIGDIR/small/714415v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (24K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@19d1327org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1549782org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@a6dfaaorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1a650ce_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

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Paajanen, S. E., Eurasto, F., Kulig, W., Korshunova, K., Kaptan, S., Vattulainen, I.. 2026-03-27. Activation mechanism of class A GPCRs: machine learninganalysis of experimental structural databases. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.26.714415

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