Connexin43 with a cytoplasmic loop deletion inhibits the function of several connexins

Connexins (Cx) form gap junction channels mediating direct intercellular communication. To study the role of amino acids within the cytoplasmic loop, we produced a recombinant adenovirus containing Cx43 with a deletion of amino acids 130–136 (Cx43del130–136). Cx43del130–136 expressed alone in HeLa cells localized within the cytoplasm and did not allow transfer of ions, neurobiotin or Lucifer yellow. When co-expressed with wild type Cx43, Cx43del130–136 blocked electrical coupling and transfer of neurobiotin or Lucifer yellow. Cx43del130–136 and Cx43 co-localized by immunofluorescence and were co-purified from Triton X-100-solubilized cell extracts. Intercellular transfer mediated by Cx37 and Cx45 (but not Cx26 or Cx40) was inhibited when co-expressed with Cx43del130–136. Cx43del130–136 co-localized with Cx37, Cx40, or Cx45, but not Cx26. These data suggest that Cx43del130–136 produces connexin-specific inhibition of intercellular communication through formation of heteromeric connexons that are non-functional and/or retained in the cytoplasm.