Signaling architecture of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor

Abstract

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a class B1 G protein-coupled receptor and major therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Beyond its canonical role in Gαs/cAMP signaling, GLP-1R is increasingly recognized as an organizer of spatiotemporally defined signaling nanodomains, or "signalosomes." This Review highlights our current knowledge on the mechanisms of assembly and regulation of GLP-1R signalosomes, including the involvement of biomolecular condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, and the role of membrane contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and other organelles as key locations for GLP-1R signaling assemblies. Furthermore, we discuss existing data on the molecular composition and functional impact of two predicted GLP-1R nanodomains, one at ER-plasma membrane contact sites, where GLP-1R might interact with ion channels and transporters to influence local excitability and coordinated insulin secretion, and another at ER-mitochondria membrane contact sites, with the capacity to control lipid and calcium signaling and modulate ER and/or mitochondrial activity. We additionally discuss the role of GLP-1R posttranslational modifications as critical modulators of GLP-1R signal specification and nanodomain organization. Conceptualizing GLP-1R as a dynamic architect of spatiotemporally encoded signalosomes opens new avenues for a deeper understanding of incretin biology with the potential for identification of novel GLP-1R effectors and the development of refined therapeutic strategies for metabolic disease.