Cryo-EM structure of the bicarbonate receptor GPR30.

Cryo-EM reveals the human GPR30 bicarbonate receptor structure at 3.15 Å, identifying key residues for bicarbonate binding and activation.

• Why it matters: Understanding GPR30's interaction with bicarbonate is crucial for developing targeted therapies for diseases related to pH imbalance, yet its mechanisms remain unclear.
• What they did: Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to determine GPR30's structure in the presence of bicarbonate ions and performed functional assays on mutated residues to assess their roles.
• The result: The study uncovers critical binding pockets and residues, offering insights into receptor activation and paving the way for designing high-affinity drugs to treat acid-base disorders.