Cancer-related somatic mutations alter adenosine A1 receptor pharmacology-A focus on mutations in the loops and C-terminus

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are known to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. The adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)AR) has been detected to be over-expressed in various cancer cell lines. However, the role of A(1)AR in tumor development is not yet well characterized. A series of A(1)AR mutations were identified in the Cancer Genome Atlas from cancer patient samples. In this study, we have investigated the pharmacology of mutations located outside of the 7-transmembrane domain by using a single-GPCR-one-G protein yeast system. Concentration-growth curves were obtained with the full agonist CPA for 12 mutant receptors and compared to the wild-type hA(1)AR. Most mutations located at the extracellular loops (EL) reduced the levels of constitutive activity of the receptor and agonist potency. For mutants at the intracellular loops (ILs) of the receptor, an increased constitutive activity was found for mutant receptor L211R(5.69), while a decreased constitutive activity and agonist response were found for mutant receptor L113F(34.51). Lastly, mutations identified on the C-terminus did not significantly influence the pharmacological function of the receptor. A selection of mutations was also investigated in a mammalian system. Overall, similar effects on receptor activation compared to the yeast system were found with mutations located at the EL, but some contradictory effects were observed for mutations located at the IL. Taken together, this study will enrich the insight of A(1)AR structure and function, enlightening the consequences of these mutations in cancer. Ultimately, this may provide potential precision medicine in cancer treatment.

Automated summary

This study examines the role of the adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)AR) in tumor development and explores the effects of mutations on receptor activity and pharmacology. Results reveal that mutations in the extracellular loops generally decrease receptor activity and agonist potency, while some contradictory effects are observed for mutations in the intracellular loops. This research enriches our understanding of A(1)AR structure and function, providing insights into the consequences of these mutations in cancer.