Structural insights into TRPV4-Rho GTPase signaling complex function and disease

Crosstalk between ion channels and small GTPases is critical during homeostasis and disease1, but little is known about the structural underpinnings of these interactions. TRPV4 is a polymodal, calcium-permeable cation channel that has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in multiple conditions2-5. Gain-of-function mutations also cause hereditary neuromuscular disease6-11. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of human TRPV4 in complex with RhoA in the apo, antagonist-bound closed, and agonist-bound open states. These structures reveal the mechanism of ligand-dependent TRPV4 gating. Channel activation is associated with rigid-body rotation of the intracellular ankyrin repeat domain, but state-dependent interaction with membrane-anchored RhoA constrains this movement. Notably, many residues at the TRPV4-RhoA interface are mutated in disease and perturbing this interface by introducing mutations into either TRPV4 or RhoA increases TRPV4 channel activity. Together, these results suggest that the interaction strength between TRPV4 and RhoA tunes TRPV4-mediated calcium homeostasis and actin remodeling, and that disruption of TRPV4-RhoA interactions leads to TRPV4-related neuromuscular disease, findings that will guide TRPV4 therapeutics development.