TGF-beta1 induces an accumulation of connexin43 in a lysosomal compartment in endothelial cells

We have been studying the relationships between cell growth and the expression of the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43) in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). As part of these studies, we examined the effect of the growth inhibitory cytokine TGF-beta1 on Cx43 expression. We have shown recently that TGF-beta treatment increases Cx43 mRNA and synthesis, content, and half-life of the protein within 24 h, which leads, over the course of days, to an accumulation of Cx43 in large, intensely immunostaining vesicles, filling much of the perinuclear cytoplasmic space. In the current study, based on their distribution and markers, we identified these vesicles as lysosomes/autophagosomes. Cx43 immunostaining and staining with a fluorescent probe for acidic compartments are coincident, as retention of a fluorescent-labeled low-density lipoprotein occurs in a similar pattern and the same staining pattern can be detected in the treated cells using other markers for lysosomal compartments. TEM revealed prominent lysosomal figures with considerable heterogeneous material. After withdrawal of TGF-beta, the accumulated Cx43 was cleared only slowly, with some brightly immunoreactive cells remaining even after 72 h. The prolonged appearance (based on immunoreactivity in situ and in immunoblots) of intact vesicular Cx43 in the treated cells suggests decreased degradation, resulting from impaired lysosomal activity. These data not only emphasize the importance of the lysosome in connexin degradation, but also show that TGF-beta can cause an alteration in lysosomal functioning, with implications for cellular metabolism.