Adipocyte Gi signaling is essential for maintaining whole-body glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity

Abstract

Adipocyte dysfunction links obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Adipocyte function is regulated by receptor-mediated activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. Little is known about the potential in vivo metabolic roles of Gi-type G proteins expressed by adipocytes, primarily due to the lack of suitable animal models. To address this question, we generated mice lacking functional Gi proteins selectively in adipocytes. Here we report that these mutant mice displayed significantly impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity when maintained on an obesogenic diet. In contrast, using a chemogenetic strategy, we demonstrated that activation of Gi signaling selectively in adipocytes greatly improved glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling. We also elucidated the cellular mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic phenotypes. Our data support the concept that adipocyte Gi signaling is essential for maintaining euglycemia. Drug-mediated activation of adipocyte Gi signaling may prove beneficial for restoring proper glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes.