Cholesterol allosteric modulation of the oxytocin receptor

Abstract

G-protein coupled receptors are critical components in cellular signaling, mediating various physiological responses to external stimuli. Here, we investigate the intricate relationship between cholesterol and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), focusing on the binding mechanisms and the allosteric cross talk of bound cholesterol to the orthosteric ligand binding pocket. Utilizing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we identify cholesterol binding sites both on the agonist-bound and antagonist-bound state, which show differing distributions and residence times of the cholesterol molecules. Importantly, both methods converge on several key sites, demonstrating strong predictive overlap. Notably, one such site, and several sites detected by our molecular dynamics approach, also coincide with electron density observed in an experimental cryo-EM map, providing orthogonal validation for computational predictions. Allosteric network analysis uncovers the distinct pathways through which cholesterol may affect ligand-mediated receptor signaling, highlighting the significance of one site on the extracellular leaflet between TM4 and TM5, and two sites on the intracellular leaflet between TM2, TM3, and TM4 and between TM4 and TM5 in transmitting allosteric signals to the orthosteric pocket. These findings provide insights into the impact of cholesterol on OXTR function, emphasizing specific binding sites and signaling paths for further experimental exploration.