Abstact

The Mas1 receptor, an orphan class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), plays pivotal roles in cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory regulation. Despite its therapeutic relevance, the structural mechanisms underlying Mas1 ligand binding and activation remain poorly understood. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of Mas1 bound to two chemically distinct agonists-neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and synthetic small-molecule AR234958-captured in complex with inhibitory G proteins. These structures reveal a conserved orthosteric binding pocket accommodating both ligands through shared hydrophobic interactions. Unlike many other class A GPCRs that rely on direct W(6.48) toggle switch engagement, Mas1 adopts a non-canonical activation strategy driven by a ligand-induced hydrophobic compression plane involving residues Y248(6.55), L87(2.60), I84(2.57), and L266(7.39) at the bottom of the ligand binding pocket. This mechanism transmits mechanical tension to promote TM6 displacement and G protein coupling. Functional mutagenesis validates this model, identifying two transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) residues, M244(6.51) and F237(6.44), as critical molecular switches. Comparative analyses of Mas1-related receptors, MRGPRX1-X4, reveal conserved features and mechanistic divergence within this subfamily. These findings provide a structural framework for understanding Mas1 pharmacology and rational design of selective therapeutics.