Loss of α-cell GRK2 modulates glucagon response and supports cardiac function

Pancreatic α-cells secrete glucagon to maintain glucose homeostasis, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating hormone release are understudied. G-protein coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) regulate receptor desensitization; however, their role in α-cells remains unknown. Here, we generated an inducible α-cell-specific GRK2 knockout (αGRK2KO) mouse model to investigate the role of GRK2 in islet physiology, systemic metabolism, and cardiac function. Loss of GRK2 in α-cells reduced islet GRK2 protein by ∼20%, consistent with α-cell islet abundance, and produced negligible alterations in glucose tolerance without affecting insulin secretion. Notably, αGRK2KO mice had altered fast/fed glucagon responses, reduced adiposity, and lower body weight. Despite minimal effects on systemic glucose handling, αGRK2KO animals exhibited improved cardiac function, characterized by enhanced ejection fraction and fractional shortening, without signs of hypertrophy. High-fat, high-sucrose diet feeding abated these changes, underscoring the diet-dependent impact of α-cell GRK2. Together, these findings identify GRK2 as a previously unrecognized regulator of α-cell glucagon secretion that influences systemic energy balance and cardiac performance through endocrine crosstalk. This work establishes a framework for α-cell G protein-coupled receptor regulation and highlights GRK2 as a potential therapeutic node linking islet function, metabolism, and the heart. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study explores the role of GRK2 in α-cell biology as a regulator of glucagon dynamics and cardiac function, thereby establishing a new endocrine link between islet signaling and cardiac biology.