Conditional, tissue-specific expression of Q205L G(αi2) in vivo mimics insulin action

Deficiency of the G protein subunit G(αi2) that is known to mediate the inhibitory control of adenylylcyclase impairs insulin action. Using the promoter for the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene, conditional, tissue-specific expression of the constitutively active mutant form (Q205L) of G(αi2) was achieved in mice harboring the transgene. Expression of Q205L G(αi2) was detected in liver and adipose tissue of transgenic mice. Whereas the G(αi2) deficient mice displayed blunted glucose tolerance, the Q205L G(αi2) expressing mice displayed enhanced glucose tolerance. Hexose transport and the recruitment of GLUT4, but not GLUT1, transporters to the membrane were elevated in adipocytes from Q205L G(αi2) expressing mice in the absence of insulin. Additionally, hepatic glycogen synthase was found to be activated in Q205L G(αi2) expressing mice, in the absence of the administration of insulin. Serum insulin levels in transgenic mice fasted overnight were equivalent to those of their control littermates. These data demonstrate that much as G(αi2) deficiency leads to insulin resistance, expression of Q205L constitutively active G(αi2) mimics insulin action in vivo, reflecting a permissive role of G(αi2) in signaling via this growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase linked pathway.