Structural and dynamic insights into the biased signaling mechanism of the human kappa opioid receptor

The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, modulating cellular responses through transducers such as G proteins and β-arrestins. G-protein-biased KOR agonists aim to retain analgesic and antipruritic actions while limiting aversion and sedation. Aiming to inform G-biased KOR agonist design, we analyze signaling-relevant residues from structural and dynamic views. Here we show, using multiple complementary methods, shared residues that determine β-arrestin recruitment by nalfurafine and U-50,488H. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of the KOR-Gi signaling complexes identify the ligand binding mode in the activated state. Vibrational spectroscopy reveals ligand-induced conformational changes. Cell-based mutant experiments pinpoint four amino acids (K2275.40, C2866.47, H2916.52, and Y3127.34; Ballesteros–Weinstein numbering is shown in superscript) that play crucial roles in β-arrestin recruitment. Furthermore, MD simulations revealed that the four mutants tend to adopt conformations with reduced β-arrestin recruitment activity. Our research findings provide a foundation for enhancing KOR-mediated therapeutic effects while minimizing unwanted side effects by targeting specific residues within the KOR ligand-binding pocket, including K2275.40 and Y3127.34, which have previously been implicated in biased signaling.