RGS-Insensitive G Proteins as In Vivo Probes of RGS Function

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins of the inhibitory (Gi/o) class play critical physiological roles and the receptors that activate them are important therapeutic targets (e.g., mu opioid, serotonin 5HT1a, etc.). Gi/o proteins are negatively regulated by regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. The redundant actions of the 20 different RGS family members have made it difficult to establish their overall physiological role. A unique G protein mutation (G184S in Gαi/o) prevents RGS binding to the Gα subunit and blocks all RGS action at that particular Gα subunit. The robust phenotypes of mice expressing these RGS-insensitive (RGSi) mutant G proteins illustrate the profound action of RGS proteins in cardiovascular, metabolic, and central nervous system functions. Specifically, the enhanced Gαi2 signaling through the RGSi Gαi2(G184S) mutant knock-in mice shows protection against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury and potentiation of serotonin-mediated antidepressant actions. In contrast, the RGSi Gαo mutant knock-in produces enhanced mu-opioid receptor-mediated analgesia but also a seizure phenotype. These genetic models provide novel insights into potential therapeutic strategies related to RGS protein inhibitors and/or G protein subtype-biased agonists at particular GPCRs.