Baculo-expression and enzymatic characterization of CES7 esterase.

The male reproductive tracts in different species are characterized by similar patterns of male-dependent overexpression of carboxylesterases. This phenomenon indicates male sex-associated functions of these enzymes for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and sperm use. Recently, a novel epididymis-specific gene named Ces7 was cloned and characterized, which belongs to the carboxylesterase family. To study the functions of CES7 in sperm maturation and storage, CES7 recombinant protein was expressed in baculovirus system. The recombinant protein had carboxylesterase activity hydrolyzing cholesterol ester and choline ester. CES7 as carboxylesterase might be involved in ester hydrolysis, sperm maturation, and storage in male reproductive tract.