The IgCAM BT-IgSF (IgSF11) is essential for connexin43-mediated astrocyte-astrocyte and ependymal cell-cell coupling

Abstract

AbstractThe type I transmembrane protein BT-IgSF is predominantly localized in the testes and brain. It belongs to the CAR subgroup of Ig cell adhesion proteins, which have been hypothesized to regulate connexin expression or localization. Here, we studied the putative link between mouse BT-IgSF and connexins in astrocytes, ependymal cells and neurons of the mouse. Global knockout of BT-IgSF caused an increase in the clustering of connexin43 (Gja1), but not of connexin30 (Gjb6), on astrocytes and ependymal cells. Additionally, we also found reduced expression levels of connexin43 protein in the cortex and hippocampus of knockout animals. Analysis of biocytin spread in hippocampal or cortical slices from mature mice of either sex revealed a decrease in astrocytic cell-cell coupling in the absence of BT-IgSF. The localization and expression of connexin36 (Gjd2) on neurons was not affected by the absence of BT-IgSF. Overall, our data indicate that the IgCAM BT-IgSF is essential for correct gap junction-mediated astrocyte-to-astrocyte and ependymal cell-to-ependymal cell communication. These data are discussed in the context of results obtained with knockouts of other members of the CAR protein subgroup.Summary statementIn the brain astrocytes are organized in vast networks communicating through gap-junctions. Here, we demonstrate that the cell adhesion molecule BT-IgSF controls connexin43-mediated coupling in astrocytes and ependymal cells.