Abstract: Buffalo Cx43 gene was cloned in the present study, the Cx43 sequence was systemically analysized by bioinformatics techniques. The expression patterns of Cx43 in different tissues and different stages of follicles were also assayed with RT-PCR and immunochemistry methods. The results showed that, a buffalo Cx43 gene fragment was cloned and sequenced, including the whole CDS of 1152 bp (coding 383 amino acids). The molecular weight and isoelectric point of buffalo Cx43 protein were predicted as 43.13 ku and 8.88 respectively. The results of sequence multialigned showed that the sequence of buffalo Cx43 gene shared 99%,98%,94%,93% and 92% homology with Bos taurus,Ovis aries, Sus scrofa,horse and Homo sapiens respectively. Buffalo Cx43 protein was predicted containing special connexin protein domain. In addition, we also analyzed the mRNA expression level of Cx43 gene in buffalo tissues through Real-time fluorescence quantitative-PCR. The results showed the mRNA of Cx43 gene existed in all of the six detected buffalo tissues with the most abundant expression in ovary liver,followed by kidney,heart and skin,the minimal expression was observed in liver. The Cx43 expression was detected in buffalo follicle during various development stages by immunochemistry method. Expression of Cx43 protein increased along with the follicle development. The cloning and analysis of buffalo Cx43 gene laid an important foundation for furthur investigating the function of Cx43 gene.

Key words: buffalo; Cx43 gene; cloning; expression