Acetylcholinesterase-R increases germ cell apoptosis but enhances sperm motility

J Cell Mol Med. 2008 Apr;12(2):479-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00231.x. Epub 2008 Jan 11.

Abstract

Changes in protein subdomains through alternative splicing often modify protein-protein interactions, altering biological processes. A relevant example is that of the stress-induced up-regulation of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE-R) splice variant, a common response in various tissues. In germ cells of male transgenic TgR mice, AChE-R excess associates with reduced sperm differentiation and sperm counts. To explore the mechanism(s) by which AChE-R up-regulation affects spermatogenesis, we identified AChE-R's protein partners through a yeast two-hybrid screen. In meiotic spermatocytes from TgR mice, we detected AChE-R interaction with the scaffold protein RACK1 and elevated apoptosis. This correlated with reduced scavenging by RACK1 of the pro-apoptotic TAp73, an outcome compatible with the increased apoptosis. In contrast, at later stages in sperm development, AChE-R's interaction with the glycolytic enzyme enolase-alpha elevates enolase activity. In transfected cells, enforced AChE-R excess increased glucose uptake and adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) levels. Correspondingly, TgR sperm cells display elevated ATP levels, mitochondrial hyperactivity and increased motility. In human donors' sperm, we found direct association of sperm motility with AChE-R expression. Interchanging interactions with RACK1 and enolase-alpha may hence enable AChE-R to affect both sperm differentiation and function by participating in independent cellular pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / genetics
  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism*
  • Alternative Splicing
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis* / genetics
  • Biopsy
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Biological
  • Sperm Motility* / genetics
  • Spermatozoa / cytology
  • Spermatozoa / enzymology*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology*
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / enzymology
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Testis / physiology
  • Testis / surgery

Substances

  • Acetylcholinesterase