Cell-type specific expression of a dominant negative PKA mutation in mice

PLoS One. 2011 Apr 12;6(4):e18772. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018772.

Abstract

We employed the Cre recombinase/loxP system to create a mouse line in which PKA activity can be inhibited in any cell-type that expresses Cre recombinase. The mouse line carries a mutant Prkar1a allele encoding a glycine to aspartate substitution at position 324 in the carboxy-terminal cAMP-binding domain (site B). This mutation produces a dominant negative RIα regulatory subunit (RIαB) and leads to inhibition of PKA activity. Insertion of a loxP-flanked neomycin cassette in the intron preceding the site B mutation prevents expression of the mutant RIαB allele until Cre-mediated excision of the cassette occurs. Embryonic stem cells expressing RIαB demonstrated a reduction in PKA activity and inhibition of cAMP-responsive gene expression. Mice expressing RIαB in hepatocytes exhibited reduced PKA activity, normal fasting induced gene expression, and enhanced glucose disposal. Activation of the RIαB allele in vivo provides a novel system for the analysis of PKA function in physiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / genetics*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Genes, Dominant*
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Integrases / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mutation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • Cre recombinase
  • Integrases
  • Glucose