Cryo-EM structures of human cone visual pigments

Trichromatic color vision in humans constitutes a pivotal evolutionary adaptation, endowing individuals with the capacity to discern and discriminate a diverse spectrum of colors. This unique visual capability confers a selective advantage crucial for successful adaptation, survival, and reproductive success in the natural environment. Color vision in humans is facilitated by the red, green, and blue cone visual pigments within cone photoreceptor cells. These pigments consist of a G-protein-coupled receptor opsin apoprotein and a chromophore covalently linked to opsins. Despite the elucidated structure of rhodopsin, the structures of cone visual pigments have yet to be determined. Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of three human cone visual pigments in complex with G proteins. Our structural analysis reveals detailed interactions between cone opsins, all-trans-retinal, and G proteins, indicating their active state. We also provide a concise summary and analysis of mutations in human cone opsins, elucidating potential relationships between residue substitutions and spectral tuning. Notably, S1162.67Y, A2335.52S, Y2776.44F were found to induce a blue shift in the absorption spectrum of the red-pigment, while the substitutions W2816.48Y and K3127.43A resulted in the absence of the absorption spectrum. The structural elucidation of human cone visual pigments significantly contributes to our understanding of how distinct types of cone cells perceive light across varying wavelengths. Furthermore, it provides a deeper insight into the functioning of the human trichromatic vision system, probing the mechanisms enabling humans to perceive a broad spectrum of colors.