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The gap junction proteins beta 1-connexin (connexin-32) and beta 2-connexin (connexin-26) can form heteromeric hemichannels.

Two different types of gap junction proteins, beta 1- and beta 2-connexin, were expressed in insect cells, either singly or together, using infection with recombinant baculovirus. Membrane fractions enriched in gap junction proteins were isolated, and connexons (hemichannels) were solubilized with detergent. These solubilized connexons were then run out on a gel filtration column which was capable of partially separating the two homomeric connexons. It was found that connexons from cells co-infected with both types of baculovirus ran together on this column, whereas connexons from cells infected separately and mixed before solubilization did not, suggesting that in the co-infected cells the two types of connexin are assembled into heteromeric hemichannels.

Animals

Differential control of connexin-32 and connexin-43 expression in thyroid epithelial cells: evidence for a direct relationship between connexin-32 expression and histiotypic morphogenesis.

Thyroid epithelial cells cultured either as a monolayer or in the form of follicles, rapidly reconstitute functional gap junctions (Gj). We previously reported that the thyroid Gj gating is regulated by TSH. We have now performed molecular analyses of Gj proteins 1) to detect the connexin(s) (Cx) that is expressed in thyroid epithelial cells, 2) to determine whether the expression of Cx is hormonally regulated, and 3) to analyze the relationship between Cx expression and histiotypic morphogenesis, i.e. folliculogenesis. Studies were carried out on thyrocytes freshly isolated from the gland and on corresponding thyrocytes after 1-7 days in culture as monolayers or in the form of reconstituted follicles. The Cx gene transcription products were analyzed by Northern blot using specific complementary DNA probes for Cx26, Cx32, and Cx43. Cx proteins were identified and estimated by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence using polyclonal antipeptide antibodies. Cx32 and Cx43 proteins and their corresponding messenger RNA (mRNA) were detected in thyrocytes freshly isolated from the gland. Thyrocytes contained a high amount of the 1.6-kilobase Cx32 mRNA and only traces of the 3-kilobase Cx43 transcript. No Cx26 transcripts could be detected. Thyrocytes cultured at a density of 0.2-0.5 x 10(6) cells/cm2 in the absence of TSH formed monolayers. Surprisingly, monolayer cells lost Cx32 protein within 24 h, and their Cx32 mRNA content decreased from high to barely detectable levels; Cx32 protein was no longer detected throughout the 1-week culture period. On the contrary, Cx43 mRNA and Cx43 protein rapidly increased in monolayer cells to reach very high levels within 2-4 days. Thyrocytes cultured at the same density, but in the presence of TSH also rapidly lost Cx32, but as soon as they reorganized into follicular structures, reexpressed Cx32 at a level (in terms of protein and mRNA) comparable to that found in cells freshly extracted from the gland. As observed for cell monolayers, reconstituted follicles overexpressed Cx43. The Cx43 protein and Cx43 mRNA contents of cultured thyrocytes were 20- to 50-fold higher than those found in isolated thyrocytes at the outset of culture. When thyrocytes were cultured with TSH, but at a low density (< 0.2 x 10(6) cells/cm2) to prevent follicle formation, a TSH-dependent increase in Cx43 was observed in monolayer cells. However, TSH did not cause any reexpression of Cx32.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals

Negative growth control of HeLa cells by connexin genes: connexin species specificity.

In order to examine whether different connexin gene species exert different degrees of tumor-suppressing activity, we characterized growth characteristics of a gap junction-deficient human cancer cell line, HeLa cells, before and after transfection with cDNA for three different connexins, connexin (cx) 26, cx 40, and cx 43. All transfected cell lines (3 clones transfected with the cx 26 gene, 2 clones with cx 40, and 1 with cx 43) showed establishment of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Two of the cx 26-transfected clones showed significantly slower growth compared with the parental HeLa cells. When transfectants were grown in soft agar, the three cx 26-transfected clones grew much less than the other transfectants and parent HeLa cells. When injected into nude mice, the two cx 26 clones which exhibited the highest amount of cx 26 transcript induced almost no tumors, whereas other transfectants, including the cx 26 clone which exhibited the lowest amount of cx 26 transcript, were tumorigenic. Among transfectants of various connexin genes, there was no good inverse correlation between their GJIC and tumorigenicity. GJIC levels were significantly higher in tumors induced in nude mice by clone cx 26 A and E transfectants. These results suggest that all of the connexin genes examined could induce recovery of GJIC of HeLa cells, but only the cx 26 gene exerts strong negative growth control on HeLa cells; thus, this connexin gene may have different functions from other connexin genes.

Animals

The topological structure of connexin 26 and its distribution compared to connexin 32 in hepatic gap junctions.

Of the gap junction proteins characterized to date, Cx26 is unique in that it is usually expressed in conjunction with other members of the family, typically Cx32 (liver [Nicholson et al., Nature 329:732-734, 1987], pancreas, kidney, and stomach [J.-T. Zhang, B.J. Nicholson, J. Cell Biol. 109:3391-3410, 1989]), or Cx43 (leptomeninges [D.C. Spray et al., Brain Res. 568:1-14, 1991] and pineal gland [J.C. Sáez et al., Brain Res. 568:265-275, 1991]). We have used specific antisera both to investigate the distribution of Cx32 and Cx26 in isolated liver gap junctions, and empirically establish the topological model of Cx26 suggested by its sequence and analogy to other connexins. Antipeptide antisera were prepared to four of the five hydrophilic domains which flank the four putative transmembrane spanning regions of Cx26. Antibodies to N-terminal residues 1-17 (alpha Cx26-N), to residues 101-119 in the putative cytoplasmic loop (alpha Cx26-CL), and to C-terminal residues 210-226 (alpha Cx26-C) were all specific for Cx26. An antibody to residues 166-185 between hydrophobic domains 3 and 4 of Cx32 had affinity for both Cx26 and Cx32 (alpha Cx32/26-E2). The antigenic sites Cx26-N, -CL and -C were each demonstrated to be cytoplasmically disposed, although the latter was conformationally hidden prior to partial proteolysis. The antigenic site for alpha Cx32/26-E2 was only accessible after exposure of the extracellular face by separation of the junctional membranes in 8 M urea, pH 12.3. This treatment also served to reveal the region between residues 45 and 66 to Asp-N protease. The topology thus demonstrated for Cx26 is consistent with that deduced for other connexins (i.e., Cx32 and Cx43). Comparison of immunogold decorated gap junctions reacted with antibodies specific to Cx26 (alpha Cx26-N and -CL), or to Cx32 [alpha Cx32-CL], indicates that these connexins do not aggregate in subdomains within a junction, at least within the resolution provided by the labeling density (one antibody per 15-22 connexons). Although the presence of both connexins within a single channel could not be distinguished, possible interactions between channels is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence

Chromosomal assignments of mouse genes for connexin 50 and connexin 33 by somatic cell hybridization.

The 12 known connexin genes coding for the subunit proteins of the gap junction channels and related in nucleotide sequence are widely dispersed in the mouse genome. By using a series of mouse X Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids and molecular probes of murine connexin genes, we have assigned the connexin 50 gene to mouse chromosome 3. The connexin 33 gene has been mapped to the X chromosome, thus confirming the previous chromosomal assignment of this gene based on interspecific back-cross mapping.

Animals

Connexin 43 and connexin 40 gap junctional proteins are present in arteriolar smooth muscle and endothelium in vivo.

The distributions of connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 40 (Cx40) in smooth muscle and endothelium of resistance vessels were examined using indirect immunofluorescence techniques coupled with confocal microscopy. Cx43 and Cx40 were found in smooth muscle and endothelium. Similar staining patterns were found in microvessel samples from brain and cremaster of the rat and from arterioles of the hamster cheek pouch. Double-labeling studies showed a high degree of colocalization of Cx40 with Cx43, suggesting the presence of multiple connexins within a single junctional plaque. Quantitative comparisons were made of the fluorescent patterns in the endothelium and smooth muscle of rat brain arterioles. Cx43 and Cx40 plaque diameters were 0.9 +/- 0.1 and 0.8 +/- 0.1 (SE) microns, respectively, in the endothelial layer and 0.5 +/- 0.1 and 0.5 +/- 0.1 microns, respectively, in the smooth muscle. There was no difference between mean plaque diameters of Cx43 and Cx40 in endothelium or smooth muscle. However, plaques were significantly larger in endothelium than in smooth muscle (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the potential for cell-cell communication in both cell types of the wall of arterioles from three different tissues. The data also suggest a greater level of coupling within the endothelium.

Animals

Inhibition of glycosylation induces formation of open connexin-43 cell-to-cell channels and phosphorylation and triton X-100 insolubility of connexin-43.

We transfected the cDNA for the cell-to-cell channel protein connexin-43 (Cx43) into Morris hepatoma H5123 cells, which express little Cx43 and lack gap junctional communication (open cell-to-cell channels). We found that cells overexpressing Cx43 nonetheless lacked open cell-to-cell channels, but that inhibition of glycosylation by tunicamycin induced open channels in these cells. Tunicamycin also induced biochemical changes in Cx43 protein; the level increased, and a considerable fraction became phosphorylated and Triton X-100 insoluble, in contrast to untreated cells where Cx43 was non-phosphorylated and Triton X-100 soluble. Although tunicamycin caused the formation of open channels, channels were not found aggregated into gap junctional plaques, as they are when they have been induced by elevation of intracellular cAMP. The results suggest that although Cx43 itself is not glycosylated, other glycosylated proteins influence Cx43 posttranslational modification and the formation of Cx43 cell-to-cell channels.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Modulation of connexins during differentiation of oval cells into hepatocytes.

The connexins are a family of related gap-junction proteins, implicated in embryonic development, cell growth control, and cellular differentiation. To identify connexins involved in liver cell differentiation, both in vivo and in vitro systems were employed to study expression of connexins 26, 32, and 43. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization were used to measure the levels of connexin expression and cellular localization of the transcripts, respectively. Normal liver expressed high connexin 32, low connexin 26, and barely detectable connexin 43. In vivo proliferation and differentiation of oval cells was at first accompanied by increased connexin 43 and decreased connexin 32 expression; later as the oval cells differentiated into hepatocytes, connexin 43 disappeared and connexin 32 increased to control levels. In situ hybridization showed that both oval cells and bile duct epithelial cells, but not hepatocytes, expressed connexin 43. A switch from connexin 43 to connexin 32 expression was observed following in vitro transformation and differentiation of rat liver epithelial cells toward the hepatocytic lineage. These results suggest that early progenitor cells in the liver express connexin 43 and a switch from connexin 43 to connexin 32 may signal commitment to hepatocytic differentiation.

Animals

Specific permeability and selective formation of gap junction channels in connexin-transfected HeLa cells.

DNAs coding for seven murine connexins (Cx) (Cx26, Cx31, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) are functionally expressed in human HeLa cells that were deficient in gap junctional communication. We compare the permeabilities of gap junctions comprised of different connexins to iontophoretically injected tracer molecules. Our results show that Lucifer yellow can pass through all connexin channels analyzed. On the other hand, propidium iodide and ethidium bromide penetrate very poorly or not at all through Cx31 and Cx32 channels, respectively, but pass through channels of other connexins. 4,6 Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) dihydrochloride shows less transfer among Cx31 or Cx43 transfectants. Neurobiotin is weakly transferred among Cx31 transfectants. Total junctional conductance in Cx31 or Cx45 transfected cells is only about half as high as in other connexin transfectants analyzed and does not correlate exactly with any of the tracer permeabilities. Permeability through different connexin channels appears to be dependent on the molecular structure of each tracer, i.e. size, charge and possibly rigidity. This supports the hypothesis that different connexin channels show different permeabilities to second messenger molecules as well as metabolites and may fulfill in this way their specific role in growth control and differentiation of cell types. In addition, we have investigated the function of heterotypic gap junctions after co-cultivation of two different connexin transfectants, one of which had been prelabeled with fluorescent dextran beads. Analysis of Lucifer yellow transfer reveals that HeLa cells expressing Cx31 (beta-type connexin) do not communicate with any other connexin transfectant tested but only with themselves. Two other beta-type connexin transfectants, HeLa-Cx26 and -Cx32, do not transmit Lucifer yellow to any of the alpha-type connexins analyzed. Among alpha-type connexins, Cx40 does not communicate with Cx43. Thus, connexins differ in their ability to form functional heterotypic gap junctions among mammalian cells.

Animals

Membrane insertion of gap junction connexins: polytopic channel forming membrane proteins.

Connexins, the proteins that form gap junction channels, are polytopic plasma membrane (PM) proteins that traverse the plasma membrane bilayer four times. The insertion of five different connexins into the membrane of the ER was studied by synthesizing connexins in translation-competent cell lysates supplemented with pancreatic ER-derived microsomes, and by expressing connexins in vivo in several eucaryotic cell types. In addition, the subcellular distribution of the connexins was determined. In vitro-synthesis in the presence of microsomes resulted in the signal recognition particle-dependent membrane insertion of the connexins. The membrane insertion of all connexins was accompanied by an efficient proteolytic processing that was dependent on the microsome concentration. Endogenous unprocessed connexins were detectable in the microsomes used, indicating that the pancreatic microsomes serve as a competent recipient in vivo for unprocessed full length connexins. Although oriented with their amino terminus in the cytoplasm, the analysis of the cleavage reaction indicated that an unprecedented processing by signal peptidase resulted in the removal of an amino-terminal portion of the connexins. Variable amounts of similar connexin cleavage products were also identified in the ER membranes of connexin overexpressing cells. The amount generated correlated with the level of protein expression. These results demonstrate that the connexins contain a cryptic signal peptidase cleavage site that can be processed by this enzyme in vitro and in vivo in association with their membrane insertion. Consequently, a specific factor or condition must be required to prevent this aberrant processing of connexins under normal conditions in the cell.

Amino Acid Sequence

Expression of different connexin genes in rat uterus during decidualization and at term.

The expression of different connexin genes (cx26, cx32, cx37, cx43) that code for the protein subunits of gap junctions, was investigated in various uterine tissues during the estrous cycle of nonpregnant rats, in pregnant rats at decidualization and at term. Connexin gene expression was studied at the mRNA level by Northern blot hybridization and at the protein level by immunocytochemistry. In gap junctions from uterine epithelium, stroma, or myometrium, connexin 26 and/or connexin 43 are much more abundant than connexins 32 and 37. The expression of connexin 26 and 43 appears to be modulated by maternal steroid hormones. High expression of these connexins is found in developing decidual cells by day 7 to 8 post coitum; furthermore, coexpression of connexins 26 and 43 in myometrium is observed just before delivery on day 21 post coitum. In both the decidua and the myometrium, the connexin 26 protein appears to be distributed in lower abundance than connexin 43. In uterine epithelium only connexin 26 is expressed throughout all of the reproductive phases investigated. The enhanced expression of this gene correlates with higher levels of maternal estrogen both in the proestrus/estrus phase and at term. The distinct spatial and temporal pattern of expression of connexins 26 and 43 in different uterine tissues suggests a physiological role for these proteins during embryo implantation and subsequent contraction of the uterus at birth.

Animals

Intercellular channels in teleosts: functional characterization of two connexins from Atlantic croaker.

Gap junction channels, composed of protein subunits termed connexins, are believed to play a critical role in the process of oocyte differentiation and maturation. We have used the paired Xenopus oocyte assay to characterize functionally two connexin genes, connexin-32.2 and connexin-32.7, recently cloned from the ovary of the Atlantic croaker (Micropogonia undulatus), a species that has emerged as a useful model to study the process of maturation of the ovarian follicle. We have found that, while both connexin proteins were expressed at comparable levels in Xenopus oocytes, only one, connexin-32.2, was functionally competent to induce the formation of intercellular channels. Connexin-32.2 channels exhibited voltage-dependent closure that was similar to, but distinct from that of previously characterized mammalian connexins. In addition, the silent connexin-32.7 was unable to functionally interact with connexin-32.2, either in heterotypic channels or as dominant negative inhibitor. Because connexin-32.2 expression is strikingly regulated during oocyte maturation, these data provide further evidence for a role of intercellular channels in the control of oocyte-follicular cell interactions.

Animals

Expression of chimeric connexins reveals new properties of the formation and gating behavior of gap junction channels.

Direct intercellular communication occurs through specialized channels, which are formed by the interaction of two half-channels, or connexons, contributed by each of the two participating cells. The ability to establish intercellular communication is specified, in part, by the expression of different structural proteins, termed connexins. Connexins can control the establishment of intercellular communication by selectively pairing with some but not other family members. To characterize the protein domains that allow connexins to recognize and discriminate between alternative partners, we have created chimeras composed of selected regions of rat connexin43, which forms channels with Xenopus connexin38, and rat connexin32, which cannot. Pairs of Xenopus oocytes were used to test the ability of the chimeras to form homotypic channels with themselves, and heterotypic channels with the parent connexins or with endogenous Xenopus connexin38. While all hybrid molecules tested were efficiently expressed by oocytes, most were devoid of functional activity. A chimera consisting of connexin32 from the N terminus to the second transmembrane domain, fused to connexin43 from the middle cytoplasmic loop to the C terminus, designated as 3243H4, was able to pair functionally with Xenopus connexin38 and one of its parent connexins, connexin43. Voltage-dependent closure of heterotypic channels containing 3243H4 was asymmetric, exhibited novel characteristics that were not predicted by the behavior of the parent connexins and was dependent on the type of connexin with which 3243H4 was paired. In contrast, 3243H4 was unable to form functional channels with either itself or the other parent, connexin32. Together, these results suggest that these connexins are not composed of functionally exchangeable regions and that multiple domains, namely the middle cytoplasmic portion and the second extracellular domain, can influence the interactions between connexins present in adjacent cells. Furthermore, they indicate that voltage gating is not strictly intrinsic behavior for a given connexin, but can be modulated by the partner connexins to which they are paired. Finally, the finding that 3243H4 is functional only in heterotypic configurations, and cannot form homotypic channels, suggests the existence of a novel form of selectivity: self-discrimination. The latter property may represent another mechanism that operates to control the extent of communication between cells.

Animals

Transcriptional and posttranscriptional control of connexin mRNAs in periportal and pericentral rat hepatocytes.

Distinct patterns of expression of gap junction, or connexin, mRNAs were observed in periportal vs. pericentral hepatocytes. The two cellular fractions (isolated from rat livers by perfusion) were more than 90% parenchymal, as determined by flow cytometry for a hepatocyte-specific marker. The periportal and pericentral fractions were identifiable due to enrichment in enzymatic activities previously shown to be differentially expressed in the respective regions of liver. Northern blot analyses revealed that mRNA encoding connexin 26 was 2.8 times more abundant in the periportal than in the pericentral cells, while connexin 32 mRNA was equally distributed. Messenger RNA from each fraction was radiolabeled in order to compare the relative abundance of the connexin mRNAs in each fraction. The ratio of connexin 26 to connexin 32 mRNA in the portal fraction was about 0.085, and in the central fraction about 0.038. Connexin 26 mRNA was transcribed, however, at a faster rate than connexin 32 mRNA by nuclei isolated from both cellular fractions. Connexin 26 mRNA was transcribed at 3.9 times the rate in nuclei from the periportal than from the pericentral cells. These data suggest that while the zonation of connexin 26 mRNA synthesis in liver appears to be controlled transcriptionally, posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms determine the relative abundance of the connexin mRNAs.

Animals

Chick connexin-56, a novel lens gap junction protein. Molecular cloning and functional expression.

We used primers corresponding to the amino-terminal sequence shared by rat connexin-46 and ovine MP70 and a consensus sequence of the second extracellular loop conserved in all connexins to amplify and subsequently clone from chick genomic DNA a new member of the connexin family of gap junction proteins, chick connexin-56. The derived chick connexin-56 polypeptide contains 510 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 55,857 daltons. Although identical in the first 70 amino acids to rat connexin-46, chick connexin-56 diverges significantly in length and composition in predicted cytoplasmic regions, which have previously been inferred to determine functional and regulatory specificity. We were able to detect hybridization of connexin-56 probes only to RNA derived from lens. Connexin-56 was functionally expressed by the stable transfection of communication-deficient Neuro2A cells. The connexin-56-transfected cells demonstrated intercellular coupling by transfer of microinjected 6-carboxyfluorescein. Double whole-cell patch clamp recordings demonstrated electrical coupling. The induced intercellular conductances were insensitive to uncoupling by heptanol, octanol, or acidification. This behavior of chick connexin-56 may explain previous observations of the unusual physiology of lens fiber gap junctions.

Amino Acid Sequence

Mixing of connexins in gap junction membrane channels.

Gap junctions are plaque-like clusters of intercellular channels that mediate intercellular communication. Each of two adjoining cells contains a connexon unit which makes up half of the whole channel. Gap junction channels are formed from a multigene family of proteins called connexins, and different connexins may be coexpressed by a single cell type and found within the same plaque. Rodent gap junctions contain two proteins, connexins 32 and 26. Use of a scanning transmission electron microscope for mass analysis of rodent gap junction plaques and split gap junctions prvided evidence consistent with a model in which the channels may be made from (i) solely connexin 26, (ii) solely connexin 32, or (iii) mixtures of connexin 26 and connexin 32 in which the two connexons are made entirely of connexin 26 and connexin 32. The different types of channels segregate into distinct domains, implying tha connexon channels self-associate to give a non-random distribution within tissues. Since each connexin confers distinct physiological properties on its membrane channels, these results imply that the physiological properties of channels can be tailored by mixing the constituent proteins within these macromolecular structures.

Animals

Increased gap junctional intercellular communication capacity and connexin 43 and 26 expression in rat bladder carcinogenesis.

Many reports have suggested that gap junctional intercellular communication or gap junction proteins (connexins) could have tumor suppression characteristics. We investigated gap junctional intercellular communication capacity and connexin 26, 32 and 43 mRNA expression in four rat bladder cell lines and the results were compared to their tumorigenicity. We also examined connexin expression in rat bladder carcinomas induced by 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl or N-ethyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (EHBN) and in normal bladders. There was clear tendency that cell lines with greater communication had stronger tumorigenicity and more expression of connexin 26 or 43. We could not detect connexin 32 in these cell lines. In normal bladder tissue, connexin 43 expression was barely detectable and there was no detectable connexin 26. However, in rat bladder carcinomas, especially the EHBN-induced carcinomas, abundant expression of both connexins was observed. These results indicate that increased gap junctional intercellular communication capacity or increased connexin(s) expression may give a growth advantage in rat bladder carcinogenesis.

Aminobiphenyl Compounds

Molecular mechanisms of TPA-mediated inhibition of gap-junctional intercellular communication: evidence for action on the assembly or function but not the expression of connexin 43 in rat liver epithelial cells.

We found that a rat liver epithelial cell line (IAR 20) expresses connexin 43, the major cardiac gap-junction protein, but not connexin 26 or connexin 32, major liver gap-junction proteins. The effects of TPA on connexin 43 expression in IAR 20 were investigated using northern blot analysis, western blot analysis, and an immunofluorescence technique. Gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in this cell line decreased within 60 min of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) treatment and recovered after 24 h. The number of immunofluorescence spots of connexin 43 on IAR 20 was closely related to the change in GJIC induced by TPA. However, TPA did not change the level of mRNA measured by northern blot analysis. Moreover, connexin 43 protein expression analyzed by western blotting suggests that connexin 43 proteins were still present in TPA-treated cells at a similar level. These results suggest that GJIC of these rat liver epithelial cells was mediated by connexin 43 protein and that TPA inhibited GJIC by inhibiting posttranslational processing of connexin 43 proteins, e.g., localization or assembly.

Animals