Identification of genes differentially expressed in C6 glioma cells transfected with connexin43

Astrocytes are characterized by extensive gap junctional intercellular comm unication (GJIC) mediated primarily by channels composed of connexin43. Tn contrast, C6 glioma cells are deficient in connexin expression and gap junc tional communication. Transfection of these glioma cells with connexin cDNA s results in changes in cellular phenotype following increased GJIC. Specif ically, connexin expression correlates with reduced cellular proliferation and tumorigenicity, To characterize the role of gap junctions in this growt h control, we have screened for changes in gene expression by differential display. We have observed that these changes in GJIC are associated with ch anges in expression of several genes, including those coding for a number o f secreted factors which may play a role in modulating the tumor phenotype of these cells. These include the immediate early gene cyr61, ostoepontin a nd the KC gene (murine homologue of the human gro gene). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.