Human XPR1 structures reveal phosphate export mechanism

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a fundamental macronutrient for all living organisms, the homeostasis of which is critical for numerous biological activities(1-3). As the only known human Pi exporter to date, XPR1 has an indispensable role in cellular Pi homeostasis(4,5). Dysfunction of XPR1 is associated with neurodegenerative disease(6-8). However, the mechanisms underpinning XPR1-mediated Pi efflux and regulation by the intracellular inositol polyphosphate (InsPP) sensor SPX domain remain poorly understood. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of human XPR1 in Pi-bound closed, open and InsP(6)-bound forms, revealing the structural basis for XPR1 gating and regulation by InsPPs. XPR1 consists of an N-terminal SPX domain, a dimer-formation core domain and a Pi transport domain. Within the transport domain, three basic clusters are responsible for Pi binding and transport, and a conserved W573 acts as a molecular switch for gating. In addition, the SPX domain binds to InsP(6) and facilitates Pi efflux by liberating the C-terminal loop that limits Pi entry. This study provides a conceptual framework for the mechanistic understanding of Pi homeostasis by XPR1 homologues in fungi, plants and animals.