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The class B2 of GPCRs known as adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) has come under increasing academic and nonacademic research focus over the past decade due to their physiological importance as mechano-sensors in cell-cell and cell-matrix contexts. A major advance in understanding signal transduction of aGPCRs was achieved by the identification of the so-called Stachel sequence, which acts as an intramolecular agonist at the interface between the N terminus (Nt) and the seven-transmembrane helix domain (7TMD). Distinct extracellular signals received by the Nt are integrated at the Stachel into structural changes of the 7TMD towards an active state conformation. Until recently, little information was available on how the activation process of aGPCRs is realized at the molecular level. In the past three years several structures of the 7TMD plus the Stachel in complex with G proteins have been determined, which provide new insights into the architecture and molecular function of this receptor class. Herein, we review this structural information to extract common and distinct aGPCR features with particular focus on the Stachel binding site within the 7TMD. Our analysis extends the current view of aGPCR activation and exposes similarities and differences not only between diverse aGPCR members, but also compared to other GPCR classes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The epididymis-specific adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (aGPCR) GPR64/ADGRG2 has been shown to be a key-player in the male reproductive system. As its disruption leads to infertility, GPR64 has drawn attention as potential target for male fertility control or improvement. Like the majority of aGPCRs GPR64 is an orphan receptor regarding its endogenous agonist and signal transduction. In this study we examined the G protein-coupling abilities of GPR64 and showed that it is activated through a tethered agonist sequence, which we have previously identified as the Stachel sequence. Synthetic peptides derived from the Stachel region can activate the receptor, opening for the first time the possibility to externally manipulate the receptor activity., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)