Regulation of mGPDH gene expression in human testis

Abstract

The regulation of testis specific promoter C of the human mGPDH gene was characterised. A CRE/NR element was detected within promoter C. We show that two tests-specific transcription factors (CREMtau and GCNF) compete for binding to the same response element. CREMtau stimulates promoter activity while GCNF causes down regulation of promoter C activity. These results were confirmed in chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. We suggest that this regulation mechanism can be responsible for appropriate mGPDH expression in spermatozoa and for sperm motility.