Different expression of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase in mouse tissues

The expression of genes encoding for the α and β-subunits of the lysosomal enzyme β-N-acetylhexosaminidase was investigated in different mouse tissues. It was found, using fluorogenic substrates, that the amounts of α and β subunits were not the same in different tissues: α-subunit was more abundant in the brain, β-subunit in epididymis and brain. The different isoenzyme patterns and specific activities in mouse tissues are due to the differences in the amount of hexosaminidase subunits. The mRNA, evaluated by Northern blotting analyses, revealed a greater expression of α-subunit in the testis and of β-subunit in the brain and epididymis. The results indicate, therefore, that gene expression and the amount of subunits are in good relationship for β-subunit, whereas there is no correlation for α-subunit.