In guinea pig sperm, aldolase A forms a complex with actin, WAS, and Arp2/3 that plays a role in actin polymerization

Reproduction. 2009 Apr;137(4):669-78. doi: 10.1530/REP-08-0353. Epub 2009 Jan 16.

Abstract

Glycolytic enzymes have, in addition to their role in energy production, other functions in the regulation of cellular processes. Aldolase A has been reported to be present in sperm, playing a key role in glycolysis; however, despite its reported interactions with actin and WAS, little is known about a non-glycolytic role of aldolase A in sperm. Here, we show that in guinea pig spermatozoa, aldolase A is tightly associated to cytoskeletal structures where it interacts with actin, WAS, and Arp2/3. We show that aldolase A spermatozoa treatment increases their polymerized actin levels. In addition, we show that there is a direct correlation between the levels of polymerized actin and the levels of aldolase A-actin interaction. Our results suggest that aldolase A functions as a bridge between filaments of actin and the actin-polymerizing machinery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / metabolism*
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cytoskeleton / enzymology
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / metabolism*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Male
  • Polymerization
  • Spermatozoa / enzymology*
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex
  • Actins
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase