AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric complex, composed of a catalytic subunit (a) and two regulatory subunits (b and g), which act as a metabolic sensor to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. A mutation in the g 3 subunit (AMPKg 3
R225Q) increases basal AMPK phosphorylation, while concomitantly reducing sensitivity to AMP. AMPKg 3 R225Q (g 3 R225Q ) transgenic mice are protected against dietary-induced triglyceride accumulation and insulin resistance. We determined whether skeletal muscle-specific expression of AMPKg 3 R225Q prevents metabolic abnormalities in leptin-deficient ob/ob (ob/ob-g 3 R225Q ) mice. Glycogen content was increased, triglyceride content was decreased, and diacylglycerol and ceramide content were unaltered in gastrocnemius muscle from ob/ob-g 3 R225Q mice, whereas glucose tolerance was unaltered. Insulinstimulated glucose uptake in extensor digitorum longus muscle during the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp was increased in lean g 3 R225Q mice, but not in ob/ob-g 3 R225Q mice. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation was increased in gastrocnemius muscle from g 3 R225Q mutant mice independent of adiposity. Glycogen and triglyceride content were decreased after leptin treatment (5 days) in ob/ob mice, but not in ob/ob-g 3 R225Q mice. In conclusion, metabolic improvements arising from muscle-specific expression of AMPKg 3 R225Q are insufficient to ameliorate insulin resistance and obesity in leptin-deficient mice. Central defects due to leptin deficiency may override any metabolic benefit conferred by peripheral overexpression of the AMPKg 3 R225Q mutation.