Lihua Zhao

β-arrestin1 directly engages Gαs to sustain endosomal GPCR signaling

This study shows β-arrestin1 directly binds Gαs to sustain endosomal GPCR signaling by stabilizing Gs in a signaling-competent state.

Mechanisms of ligand recognition and activation of melanin-concentrating hormone receptors

This study presents cryo-EM structures of MCH-activated MCHR1 and MCHR2 with G-proteins, revealing ligand recognition mechanisms and activation pathways.

A distinctive ligand recognition mechanism by the human vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptor 2

This study reports the cryo-EM structure of the human VIP2R bound to PACAP27 and Gs, revealing a unique N-terminal helix conformation that stabilizes the ligand-receptor interface.

Constitutive signal bias mediated by the human GHRHR splice variant 1

The paper identifies a splice variant of the GHRHR receptor that mediates constitutive signal bias towards β-arrestin recruitment, impacting downstream signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells.

Structural basis for the therapeutic advantage of dual and triple agonists at the human GIP, GLP-1 or GCG receptors

This study determines cryo-EM structures of dual and triple agonists bound to GIPR, GLP-1R, and GCGR to elucidate their superior efficacy over monoagonists in glucose homeostasis.

Structural insights into hormone recognition by the human glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor

The paper reports the cryo-EM structure of the human GIPR complexed with GIP and a Gs heterotrimer, revealing how GIP is recognized and activates the receptor.

Molecular insights into ago-allosteric modulation of the human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor

The paper reports cryo-EM structures of GLP-1R with ago-allosteric modulators, revealing their mechanism of action and providing insights for therapeutic design.