Characterization of testicular mouse glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase (GNPDA)

Mammalian glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase (GNPDA) was first detected in h amster spermatozoa, To further elucidate its role, we have cloned mouse GNP DA and produced a polyclonal rabbit anti-GNPDA antibody. This antibody reco gnized a 33 kDa protein in soluble extracts from mouse brain, liver, kidney , muscle, ovary, testis and sperm. Immunofluorescent analysis of the locali zation of GNPDA in male reproductive tissue revealed its presence in sperma tids and in spermatozoa, In spermatids, GNPDA localized close to the develo ping acrosome vesicle and in spermatozoa close to the acrosomal region. Fol lowing the induction of the acrosome reaction, GNPDA fluorescence in sperma tozoa was either reduced or GNPDA was absent. These data suggest that GNPDA might play a role in the acrosome reaction. (C) 1999 Federation of Europea n Biochemical Societies.