Structural basis for the regulation of inositol trisphosphate receptors by Ca2+ and IP3

Inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) are ubiquitous Ca2+-permeable channels that mediate release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby regulating numerous processes including cell division, cell death, differentiation and fertilization. IP(3)Rs are jointly activated by inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and their permeant ion, Ca2+. At high concentrations, however, Ca2+ inhibits activity, ensuring precise spatiotemporal control over intracellular Ca2+. Despite extensive characterization of IP3R, the mechanisms through which these molecules control channel gating have remained elusive. Here, we present structures of full-length human type 3 IP(3)Rs in ligand-bound and ligand-free states. Multiple IP3-bound structures demonstrate that the large cytoplasmic domain provides a platform for propagation of long-range conformational changes to the ion-conduction gate. Structures in the presence of Ca2+ reveal two Ca2+-binding sites that induce the disruption of numerous interactions between subunits, thereby inhibiting IP3R. These structures thus provide a mechanistic basis for beginning to understand the regulation of IP3R.