A double negative: inhibition of hepatic Gi signaling improves glucose homeostasis

J Clin Invest. 2018 Feb 1;128(2):567-569. doi: 10.1172/JCI99037. Epub 2018 Jan 16.

Abstract

Hepatic glucose production (HGP) is a key determinant of glucose homeostasis. Glucagon binding to its cognate seven-transmembrane Gs-coupled receptor in hepatocytes stimulates cAMP production, resulting in increased HGP. In this issue of the JCI, Rossi and colleagues tested the hypothesis that activation of hepatic Gi-coupled receptors, which should inhibit cAMP production, would oppose the cAMP-inducing action of glucagon and thereby decrease HGP. Surprisingly, however, the opposite occurred: activation of Gi signaling increased HGP via a novel mechanism, while inhibition of Gi signaling reduced HGP. These results define a new physiologic role for hepatic Gi signaling and identify a potential therapeutic target for HGP regulation.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Glucagon*
  • Glucose
  • Hepatocytes
  • Homeostasis
  • Liver*

Substances

  • Glucagon
  • Glucose