A conserved Asn in TM7 of the thyrotropin receptor is a common requirement for activation by both mutations and its natural agonist

The wide spectrum of naturally occurring mutations able to activate the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor provides a useful tool to approach the structure of the active state(s) of the glycoprotein hormone receptors. Here we show that the side-chain of the highly conserved N 7.49 (Asn 674) in TM7 is mandatory for activation of the TSH receptor, not only by TSH, but also by a panel of eight natural and two artificial activating mutations. Basal activity levels of the mutants were significantly decreased by suppression of the side-chain of N 7.49 (N 7.49A double mutants). In addition, comparative effects of the N 7.49A substitution on the ten mutants demonstrate that basal activity and agonist- or mutation-stimulated activity might involve different structural changes.