Conformational Sensors and Domain Swapping Reveal Structural and Functional Differences between β-Arrestin Isoforms

Desensitization, signaling, and trafficking of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are critically regulated by multifunctional adaptor proteins, β-arrestins (βarrs). The two isoforms of βarrs (βarr1 and 2) share a high degree of sequence and structural similarity; still, however, they often mediate distinct functional outcomes in the context of GPCR signaling and regulation. A mechanistic basis for such a functional divergence of βarr isoforms is still lacking. By using a set of complementary approaches, including antibody-fragment-based conformational sensors, we discover structural differences between βarr1 and 2 upon their interaction with activated and phosphorylated receptors. Interestingly, domain-swapped chimeras of βarrs display robust complementation in functional assays, thereby linking the structural differences between receptor-bound βarr1 and 2 with their divergent functional outcomes. Our findings reveal important insights into the ability of βarr isoforms to drive distinct functional outcomes and underscore the importance of integrating this aspect in the current framework of biased agonism. [Display omitted] •β-arrestin 1 and 2 differentially regulate signaling and trafficking of GPCRs•There are conformational differences between receptor-bound β-arrestin 1 and 2•Domain-swapped chimera of β-arrestin 1 and 2 exhibit functional complementation•Functional differences of β-arrestin isoforms have implications for biased agonism Ghosh et al. discover structural differences between β-arrestin isoforms (β-arrestin 1 and 2), which are universal regulators of signaling and trafficking of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These findings have direct implications for understanding the regulatory and signaling paradigms of GPCRs and designing novel therapeutics targeting this important class of receptors.