Arrestins are multi-functional proteins that regulate signaling and trafficking of the majority of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), as well as sub-cellular localization and activity of many other signaling proteins. Here we report the first crystal structure of arrestin-3, solved at 3.0Å. Arrestin-3 is an elongated two-domain molecule with the overall fold and key inter-domain interactions that hold free protein in the basal conformation similar to the other subtypes. Arrestin-3 is the least selective member of the family, binding wide variety of GPCRs with high affinity and demonstrating lower preference for active phosphorylated forms of the receptors. In contrast to the other three arrestins, part of the receptor-binding surface in the arrestin-3 C-domain does not form a contiguous β-sheet, consistent with increased flexibility. By swapping the corresponding elements between arrestin-2 and -3 we show that the presence of this loose structure correlates with reduced arrestin selectivity for activated receptor, consistent with a conformational change in this β-sheet upon receptor binding.

Band gap tunable hybrid organic−inorganic lead halide perovskites (APbX 3 , A = CH 3 NH 3 + and NH 2 CHNH 2 + , and X = Cl, Br, or I) have attracted significant attention in optoelectronic-and photovoltaic-related fields on account of their outstanding optoelectronic properties. Single crystals of hybrid perovskites, such as CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 and CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 , were certified to be advantageous over thin films as photodetectors. However, their resistance toward heat and moisture hinders their future development. Fully inorganic perovskite CsPbBr 3 stands a chance to fill the gap as a novel photodetector with perovskite structure. We revealed the growth of CsPbBr 3 single crystal was of a 2D nucleation mechanism. Similarities of d values and octahedra arrangements along [101] and [020] orientations restricted single-crystal growth. Under optimized conditions, orthorhombic CsPbBr 3 single crystals with (101) crystallographic facets were grown by using methyl alcohol as antisolvent from saturated DMSO solution. The optoelectronic properties of the single crystal were explored through a metal− semiconductor−metal photodetector device. Meanwhile, their steady and transient performances were also investigated. A highest responsivity of 0.028 A/W and a response time of <100 ms were achieved.

Arrestin-1 (visual arrestin) binds to light-activated phosphorylated rhodopsin (P-Rh*) to terminate G-protein signaling. To map conformational changes upon binding to the receptor, pairs of spin labels were introduced in arrestin-1 and double electron-electron resonance was used to monitor interspin distance changes upon P-Rh* binding. The results indicate that the relative position of the N and C domains remains largely unchanged, contrary to expectations of a "clam-shell" model. A loop implicated in P-Rh* binding that connects β-strands V and VI (the "finger loop," residues 67-79) moves toward the expected location of P-Rh* in the complex, but does not assume a fully extended conformation. A striking and unexpected movement of a loop containing residue 139 away from the adjacent finger loop is observed, which appears to facilitate P-Rh* binding. This change is accompanied by smaller movements of distal loops containing residues 157 and 344 at the tips of the N and C domains, which correspond to "plastic" regions of arrestin-1 that have distinct conformations in monomers of the crystal tetramer. Remarkably, the loops containing residues 139, 157, and 344 appear to have high flexibility in both free arrestin-1 and the P-Rh*complex.A rrestin was first discovered in the visual system as a protein that blocks ("arrests") the signaling of the prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin (Rh) via specific binding to the phosphorylated activated form P-Rh* (1). Mammals express four arrestin subtypes: Arrestin-1 and -4 are specific for the visual system, whereas arrestin-2 and -3 are ubiquitous (2). [We use systematic names of arrestins: arrestin-1 (historic names S-antigen, 48-kDa protein, or visual or rod arrestin), arrestin-2 (β-arrestin or β-arrestin1), arrestin-3 (β-arrestin2 or hTHY-ARRX), and arrestin-4 (cone or X-arrestin).] The discovery of nonvisual arrestins (3) showed that phosphorylation followed by arrestin binding is a common mechanism of GPCR regulation. Crystal structures of all four arrestin subtypes in their basal state revealed similar topology: two cup-like domains linked by an interdomain hinge ( Fig. 1) (4-7). Arrestin-1 was proposed to undergo a conformational rearrangement during the P-Rh* interaction that results in the release of the C-terminal sequence (C tail) (8, 9) but does not involve major secondary structure changes (8, 10). Recent site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) studies identified specific parts of arrestin-1 engaged by different functional forms of rhodopsin and provided direct evidence of binding-induced conformational changes (11,12). A conformational change in the so-called finger loop (Fig. 1) implicated in P-Rh* recognition was also observed using NMR and fluorescence quenching (13,14). Arrestin-1 shows a remarkable selectivity for P-Rh*. Observed binding to inactive phosphorylated (P-Rh) or active unphosphorylated rhodopsin (Rh*) is usually less than 10% of the binding to P-Rh*, whereas its binding to inactive unphosphorylated rhodopsin (Rh) is barely detectable ...

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) elicits different olfactory behaviors across species. In Drosophila, neurons that detect CO 2 are located in the antenna, form connections in a ventral glomerulus in the antennal lobe, and mediate avoidance. By contrast, in the mosquito these neurons are in the maxillary palps (MPs), connect to medial sites, and promote attraction. We found in Drosophila that loss of a microRNA, miR-279, leads to formation of CO 2 neurons in the MPs. miR-279 acts through downregulation of the transcription factor Nerfin-1. The ectopic neurons are hybrid cells. They express CO 2 receptors and form connections characteristic of CO 2 neurons, while exhibiting wiring and receptor characteristics of MP olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). We propose that this hybrid ORN reveals a cellular intermediate in the evolution of species-specific behaviors elicited by CO 2 .In insects, both the position of CO 2 neurons and the behavior elicited by CO 2 differ among species. For example, olfactory detection of CO 2 through neurons positioned in or around the mouthparts of an insect, such as maxillary palps (MPs) and labial palps, correlates with feedingrelated behaviors. Indeed, in some blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes and tsetse flies, these neurons are harbored in the MPs and are important in locating hosts via plumes of CO 2 that they emit (1-3). The hawkmoth, Manduca sexta, monitors nectar profitability of newly opened Datura wrightii flowers through CO 2 receptor neurons located in their labial palps (4,5). In these examples, CO 2 acts as an attractant. Conversely, in Drosophila CO 2 is a component of a stress-induced odor that triggers avoidance behavior (6). This repellent response is driven by antennal neurons expressing the CO 2 receptor complex 8). How did these diverse behavioral responses to CO 2 arise during insect evolution? We propose that this diversity emerged through multiple steps, including changes in cellular position (arising from elimination of CO 2 neurons in one appendage and generation of these neurons in another) and changes in circuitry.In the course of a genetic screen for mutants disrupting the organization of the olfactory system, we isolated a mutant (S0962−07) that resulted in the formation of ectopic Gr21a-expressing §To whom correspondence should be addressed.