Mice with deficiencies in one or more Gq class α subunit genes were used to examine the
role of the α subunit in regulating Ca 2+ signaling in pancreatic and submandibular gland
cells. Western blot analysis showed that these cells express three of the four Gq class
subunits, Gαq, Gα11, and Gα14 but not Gα15. Surprisingly, all parameters of Ca 2+
signaling were identical in cells from wild type and four lines of mutant mice: 1) Gα11−/−, 2)
Gα11−/−/Gα14−/−, 3) Gα14−/−/Gα15−/−, and 4) Gαq−/−/Gα15−/−. These parameters …