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Stopková R, Matějková T, Dodoková A, Talacko P, Zacek P, Sedlacek R, Piálek J, Stopka P. Variation in mouse chemical signals is genetically controlled and environmentally modulated. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8573. [PMID: 37237091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35450-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals and particularly in mice, chemical communication relies on the detection of ethologically relevant fitness-related cues from other individuals. In mice, urine is the primary source of these signals, so we employed proteomics and metabolomics to identify key components of chemical signalling. We show that there is a correspondence between urinary volatiles and proteins in the representation of genetic background, sex and environment in two house mouse subspecies Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus. We found that environment has a strong influence upon proteomic and metabolomic variation and that volatile mixtures better represent males while females have surprisingly more sex-biased proteins. Using machine learning and combined-omics techniques, we identified mixtures of metabolites and proteins that are associated with biological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Matějková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alica Dodoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Talacko
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Zacek
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Piálek
- Research Facility Studenec, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Lenschow C, Mendes ARP, Lima SQ. Hearing, touching, and multisensory integration during mate choice. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:943888. [PMID: 36247731 PMCID: PMC9559228 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.943888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mate choice is a potent generator of diversity and a fundamental pillar for sexual selection and evolution. Mate choice is a multistage affair, where complex sensory information and elaborate actions are used to identify, scrutinize, and evaluate potential mating partners. While widely accepted that communication during mate assessment relies on multimodal cues, most studies investigating the mechanisms controlling this fundamental behavior have restricted their focus to the dominant sensory modality used by the species under examination, such as vision in humans and smell in rodents. However, despite their undeniable importance for the initial recognition, attraction, and approach towards a potential mate, other modalities gain relevance as the interaction progresses, amongst which are touch and audition. In this review, we will: (1) focus on recent findings of how touch and audition can contribute to the evaluation and choice of mating partners, and (2) outline our current knowledge regarding the neuronal circuits processing touch and audition (amongst others) in the context of mate choice and ask (3) how these neural circuits are connected to areas that have been studied in the light of multisensory integration.
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Stopková R, Otčenášková T, Matějková T, Kuntová B, Stopka P. Biological Roles of Lipocalins in Chemical Communication, Reproduction, and Regulation of Microbiota. Front Physiol 2021; 12:740006. [PMID: 34594242 PMCID: PMC8476925 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.740006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Major evolutionary transitions were always accompanied by genetic remodelling of phenotypic traits. For example, the vertebrate transition from water to land was accompanied by rapid evolution of olfactory receptors and by the expansion of genes encoding lipocalins, which - due to their transporting functions - represent an important interface between the external and internal organic world of an individual and also within an individual. Similarly, some lipocalin genes were lost along other genes when this transition went in the opposite direction leading, for example, to cetaceans. In terrestrial vertebrates, lipocalins are involved in the transport of lipophilic substances, chemical signalling, odour reception, antimicrobial defence and background odour clearance during ventilation. Many ancestral lipocalins have clear physiological functions across the vertebrate taxa while many other have - due to pleiotropic effects of their genes - multiple or complementary functions within the body homeostasis and development. The aim of this review is to deconstruct the physiological functions of lipocalins in light of current OMICs techniques. We concentrated on major findings in the house mouse in comparison to other model taxa (e.g., voles, humans, and birds) in which all or most coding genes within their genomes were repeatedly sequenced and their annotations are sufficiently informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tereza Otčenášková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tereza Matějková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Kuntová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Prague, Czechia
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4
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Levy DR, Sofer Y, Brumfeld V, Zilkha N, Kimchi T. The Nasopalatine Ducts Are Required for Proper Pheromone Signaling in Mice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:585323. [PMID: 33328853 PMCID: PMC7710809 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.585323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) specializes in detection of chemosignals, mainly pheromones, which control social communication and reproduction in many mammals. These pheromones must solubilize with nasal fluids before entering the VNO, and it was suggested that they are delivered to and cleared from the VNO by active pumping. Yet, the details of this pheromone delivery process are unclear. In this study, we first constructed a high-resolution 3D morphological image of the whole adult mouse snout, by using ultra-high-resolution micro-CT. We identified a net of micro tunnels starting from the nostrils and extending around and through the VNO. These micro tunnels connect the nasal cavity with the VNO and the oral cavity via the nasopalatine ducts (NPD). Other micro tunnels connect the nasal cavity to the main olfactory epithelium. We next demonstrated that physical obstruction of the NPD severely impairs the clearance of dissolved compounds from the VNO lumen. Moreover, we found that mice with blocked NPD display alterations in chemosignaling-evoked neuronal activation in brain regions associated with the vomeronasal system. Finally, NPD-blocked male mice exhibit reduced preference for female chemosignals, and impaired social interaction behavior. Taken together, our findings indicate that the NPD in mice are connected to both the nasal and oral cavity, serving an essential role in regulating the flow of soluble chemosignals through the VNO, and are required for proper pheromone-mediated social communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rubi Levy
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yizhak Sofer
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vlad Brumfeld
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noga Zilkha
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Kotenkova E, Romachenko A, Ambaryan A, Maltsev A. Effect of early experience on neuronal and behavioral responses to con- and heterospecific odors in closely related Mus taxa: epigenetic contribution in formation of precopulatory isolation. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:51. [PMID: 30813903 PMCID: PMC6391773 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1373-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most effective learning occurs during sensitive periods. Olfactory plasticity to main social olfactory cues is limited to a critical period to a large degree. The objective was to evaluate the influence of early olfactory experience on the behavioral and neuronal responses of males to con- and heterospecific odors of receptive females in two species, M. musculus (subspecies musculus, wagneri) and M. spicilegus, and thus to determine the potential role of epigenetic contribution in the formation of precopulatory isolation. RESULTS Males were reciprocally cross-fostered shortly after the birth and were tested for response to con- and heterospecific urine odors of estrus females using two-choice tests at 70-85 days of age. Neuronal activity of non- and cross-fostered males was evaluated at 90-110 days of age in the MOB and AOB to con- and heterospecific female odor using fMRI (MEMRI). Non-cross-fostered males of three taxa demonstrated a strong preference for odor of conspecific females compared to odor of heterospecific ones. Spicilegus-nursed musculus preferred odor of heterospecific females. Wagneri-nursed spicilegus and spicilegus-nursed wagneri did not demonstrate significant choice of con - or heterospecific female odor. The level of MRI signal obtained from the evaluation of manganese accumulation in AOB neurons was significantly higher when the odor of conspecific estrus females was exposed, compared to urine exposure of heterospecific females. The response pattern changed to the opposite in males raised by heterospecific females. Response patterns of neuronal activity in the MOB to con- and heterospecific female odors were different in cross-fostered and control males. CONCLUSION The maternal environment, including odor, had a greater effect on the level of MRI signal in the AOB than the genetic relationships of the recipient and the donor of the odor stimulus. Behavioral and neuronal responses to con- and heterospecific odors changed in closely related Mus taxa as a result of early experience. We demonstrated the importance of early learning in mate choice in adulthood in mice and the possibility of epigenetic contribution in the formation of precopulatory reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kotenkova
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 33, 119071, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alex Romachenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Ambaryan
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 33, 119071, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksei Maltsev
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS, Leninsky Prospect, 33, 119071, Moscow, Russia
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Grize SA, Wilwert E, Searle JB, Lindholm AK. Measurements of hybrid fertility and a test of mate preference for two house mouse races with massive chromosomal divergence. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:25. [PMID: 30651079 PMCID: PMC6335807 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1322-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Western house mice Mus musculus domesticus are among the most important mammalian model species for chromosomal speciation. Hybrids between chromosomal races of M. m. domesticus suffer various degrees of fertility reduction between full fertility and complete sterility, depending on the complexity of the chromosomal differences between the races. This complexity presents itself in hybrids as meiotic configurations of chromosome chains and rings, with longer configurations having a stronger impact on fertility. While hybrids with short configurations have been intensively studied, less work has been done on hybrids with very long configurations. In this study, we investigated laboratory-reared wild mice from two chromosomally very different races in Switzerland found in close proximity. Hybrids between these races form a meiotic chain of fifteen chromosomes. We performed a detailed analysis of male and female hybrid fertility, including three generations of female backcrosses to one of the parental races. We also tested for possible divergence of mate preference in females. RESULTS While all male F1 hybrids were sterile with sperm counts of zero, 48% of female F1 hybrids produced offspring. Their litter sizes ranged from one to three which is significantly lower than the litter size of parental race females. When hybrid females were backcrossed to a parental race, half of the offspring resembled the parental race in karyotype and fertility, while the other half resembled the F1 hybrids. In the preference test, females of both races indicated a lack of a preference for males of their own karyotype. CONCLUSIONS Although the fertility of the F1 hybrids was extremely low because of the complexity of the chromosomal differences between the races, reproductive isolation was not complete. As we did not find assortative female preferences, we expect that contact between these races would lead to the production of hybrids and that gene flow would occur eventually, as fertility can be restored fully after one backcross generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia A Grize
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elodie Wilwert
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeremy B Searle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Anna K Lindholm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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7
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Molecular heterogeneity in major urinary proteins of Mus musculus subspecies: potential candidates involved in speciation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44992. [PMID: 28337988 PMCID: PMC5364487 DOI: 10.1038/srep44992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
When hybridisation carries a cost, natural selection is predicted to favour evolution of traits that allow assortative mating (reinforcement). Incipient speciation between the two European house mouse subspecies, Mus musculus domesticus and M.m.musculus, sharing a hybrid zone, provides an opportunity to understand evolution of assortative mating at a molecular level. Mouse urine odours allow subspecific mate discrimination, with assortative preferences evident in the hybrid zone but not in allopatry. Here we assess the potential of MUPs (major urinary proteins) as candidates for signal divergence by comparing MUP expression in urine samples from the Danish hybrid zone border (contact) and from allopatric populations. Mass spectrometric characterisation identified novel MUPs in both subspecies involving mostly new combinations of amino acid changes previously observed in M.m.domesticus. The subspecies expressed distinct MUP signatures, with most MUPs expressed by only one subspecies. Expression of at least eight MUPs showed significant subspecies divergence both in allopatry and contact zone. Another seven MUPs showed divergence in expression between the subspecies only in the contact zone, consistent with divergence by reinforcement. These proteins are candidates for the semiochemical barrier to hybridisation, providing an opportunity to characterise the nature and evolution of a putative species recognition signal.
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8
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Studies of an Androgen-Binding Protein Knockout Corroborate a Role for Salivary ABP in Mouse Communication. Genetics 2017; 205:1517-1527. [PMID: 28159752 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.194571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The house mouse Androgen-binding protein (Abp) gene family is comprised of 64 paralogs, 30 Abpa and 34 Abpbg, encoding the alpha (ABPA) and beta-gamma (ABPBG) protein subunits that are disulfide-bridged to form dimers in secretions. Only 14 Abp genes are expressed in distinct patterns in the lacrimal (11) and submandibular glands (3). We created a knockout mouse line lacking two of the three genes expressed in submandibular glands, Abpa27 and Abpbg27, by replacing them with the neomycin resistance gene. The knockout genotype (-/-) showed no Abpa27 or Abpbg27 transcripts in submandibular gland complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries and there was a concomitant lack of protein expression of ABPA27 and ABPBG27 in the -/- genotype saliva, shown by elimination of these two proteins from the saliva proteome and the loss of cross-reactive material in the acinar cells of the submandibular glands. We also observed a decrease in BG26 protein in the -/- animals, suggesting monomer instability. Overall, we observed no major phenotypic changes in the -/- genotype, compared with their +/+ and +/- siblings raised in a laboratory setting, including normal growth curves, tissue histology, fecundity, and longevity. The only difference is that male and female C57BL/6 mice preferred saliva of the opposite sex containing ABP statistically significantly more than saliva of the opposite sex without ABP in a Y-maze test. These results show for the first time that mice can sense the presence of ABP between saliva targets with and without ABPs, and that they spend more time investigating the target containing ABP.
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On the saliva proteome of the Eastern European house mouse (Mus musculus musculus) focusing on sexual signalling and immunity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32481. [PMID: 27577013 PMCID: PMC5006050 DOI: 10.1038/srep32481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical communication is mediated by sex-biased signals abundantly present in the urine, saliva and tears. Because most studies concentrated on the urinary signals, we aimed to determine the saliva proteome in wild Mus musculus musculus, to extend the knowledge on potential roles of saliva in chemical communication. We performed the gel-free quantitative LC-MS/MS analyses of saliva and identified 633 proteins with 134 (21%) of them being sexually dimorphic. They include proteins that protect and transport volatile organic compounds in their beta barrel including LCN lipocalins, major urinary proteins (MUPs), and odorant binding proteins (OBPs). To our surprise, the saliva proteome contains one MUP that is female biased (MUP8) and the two protein pheromones MUP20 (or 'Darcin') and ESP1 in individuals of both sex. Thus, contrary to previous assumptions, our findings reveal that these proteins cannot function as male-unique signals. Our study also demonstrates that many olfactory proteins (e.g. LCNs, and OBPs) are not expressed by submandibular glands but are produced elsewhere-in nasal and lacrimal tissues, and potentially also in other oro-facial glands. We have also detected abundant proteins that are involved in wound healing, immune and non-immune responses to pathogens, thus corroborating that saliva has important protective roles.
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Hiadlovská Z, Mikula O, Macholán M, Hamplová P, Vošlajerová Bímová B, Daniszová K. Shaking the myth: Body mass, aggression, steroid hormones, and social dominance in wild house mouse. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 223:16-26. [PMID: 26433061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In social mammals, the position of a male in the group's hierarchy strongly affects his reproductive success. Since a high social rank is often gained through competition with other males, selection should favour bigger males over smaller ones. We may therefore predict faster growth and/or delayed sexual maturity in dominant males. Likewise, dominants should have higher levels of testosterone, hormone important in many aspects of male dominance. Less obvious is the relationship between dominance and levels of corticosterone but generally higher concentrations are expected in subordinate individuals. We studied body growth, sexual maturation and endocrinal changes in males of two house mouse subspecies, raised in fraternal pairs. Since Mus musculus domesticus is the subspecies which dominates mutual encounters with Mus musculus musculus we predicted higher growth rate, delayed puberty and aggression, and higher testosterone and corticosterone levels in domesticus males compared to musculus. In all comparisons, no differences were found between dominant and subordinate musculus brothers. On the other hand, in M. m. domesticus, dominant males revealed a different growth trajectory and lower corticosterone levels than subordinate males but not delayed puberty and higher testosterone concentrations, thus contradicting our predictions. In inter-subspecific comparisons, musculus males matured earlier but became aggressive at the same time as domesticus males. The musculus testosterone ontogeny suggests that social positions in this subspecies remain unfixed for an extended period and that the increasing levels probably reflect prolonged hierarchy contests. It appears that the ontogeny of behaviour and physiological traits diverge cryptically between the two subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Hiadlovská
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Veveří 97, CZ-602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - O Mikula
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Veveří 97, CZ-602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Macholán
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Veveří 97, CZ-602 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, CZ-61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - P Hamplová
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, CZ-61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - B Vošlajerová Bímová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Veveří 97, CZ-602 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Vertebrate Biology, ASCR, Květná 8, CZ-603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - K Daniszová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, ASCR, Květná 8, CZ-603 65 Brno, Czech Republic; Biodiversity Research Group, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 13 Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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Hiadlovská Z, Macholán M, Mikula O, Vošlajerová Bímová B. The meek inherit the earth: less aggressive wild mice are more successful in challenging situations. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Hiadlovská
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics; Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
- Institute of Botany and Zoology; Faculty of Sciences; Masaryk University; Brno Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Macholán
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics; Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
- Institute of Botany and Zoology; Faculty of Sciences; Masaryk University; Brno Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Mikula
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics; Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vošlajerová Bímová
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics; Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
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12
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Latour Y, Perriat-Sanguinet M, Caminade P, Boursot P, Smadja CM, Ganem G. Sexual selection against natural hybrids may contribute to reinforcement in a house mouse hybrid zone. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 281:20132733. [PMID: 24352947 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection may hinder gene flow across contact zones when hybrid recognition signals are discriminated against. We tested this hypothesis in a unimodal hybrid zone between Mus musculus musculus and Mus musculus domesticus where a pattern of reinforcement was described and lower hybrid fitness documented. We presented mice from the border of the hybrid zone with a choice between opposite sex urine from the same subspecies versus hybrids sampled in different locations across the zone. While no preference was evidenced in domesticus mice, musculus males discriminated in favour of musculus signals and against hybrid signals. Remarkably, the pattern of hybrid unattractiveness did not vary across the hybrid zone. Moreover, allopatric populations tested in the same conditions did not discriminate against hybrid signals, indicating character displacement for signal perception or preference. Finally, habituation-discrimination tests assessing similarities between signals pointed out that hybrid signals differed from the parental ones. Overall, our results suggest that perception of hybrids as unattractive has evolved in border populations of musculus after the secondary contact with domesticus. We discuss the mechanisms involved in hybrid unattractiveness, and the potential impact of asymmetric sexual selection on the hybrid zone dynamics and gene flow between the two subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Latour
- CNRS, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, UMR5554, , Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
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13
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The genetic architecture of chemosensory cues involved in species recognition: a behavioral approach in the house mouse. Behav Genet 2013; 44:56-67. [PMID: 24158628 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-013-9621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The genetics of chemical signals is poorly understood. We addressed this issue in two subspecies of mice, Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus, comparing their odor phenotypes with that of their hybrids. Earlier studies indicated that these subspecies could be discriminated on the basis of their urinary odor. We assessed male odor phenotypes from perception of musculus mice acting as olfactometers. Our results point to a complex genetic determinism. Reciprocal F1 hybrids produced a distinct odor phenotype, with shared characteristics distinguishing them from their parents, and stronger similarity to domesticus than to musculus. These results are consistent with implications of genes with partial dominance and a parent of origin effect. Further, similarities between reciprocal F2 allowed us to reject a direct role of the Y-chromosome in shaping the odor phenotype. However we show that the X-chromosome could be involved in explaining domesticus phenotype, while epistasis between genes on the sex chromosomes and the autosomes might influence musculus phenotype.
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14
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Zinck L, Lima SQ. Mate choice in Mus musculus is relative and dependent on the estrous state. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66064. [PMID: 23762466 PMCID: PMC3677927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mate choice is a critical behavioral decision process with profound impact on evolution. However, the mechanistic basis of mate choice is poorly understood. In this study we focused on assortative mate choice, which is known to contribute to the reproductive isolation of the two European subspecies of house mouse, Mus musculus musculus and Mus musculus domesticus. To understand the decision process, we developed both full mating and limited-contact paradigms and tested musculus females' preference for musculus versus domesticus males, mimicking the natural musculus/domesticus contact zone. As hypothesized, when allowed to mate we found that sexually receptive musculus females exhibited a robust preference to mate with musculus males. In contrast, when non-receptive, females did not exhibit a preference and rather alternated between males in response to male mount attempts. Moreover in a no-choice condition, females mated readily with males from both subspecies. Finally, when no physical contact was allowed, and therefore male's behavior could not influence female's behavior, female's preference for its own subspecies was maintained independently of the estrous state. Together, our results suggest that the assortative preference is relative and based on a comparison of the options available rather than on an absolute preference. The results of the limited-contact experiments highlight the interplay between female's internal state and the nature of the interaction with prospective mates in the full mating conditions. With these experiments we believe we established an assortative mate preference assay that is appropriate for the investigation of its underlying substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Zinck
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Susana Q. Lima
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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Hiadlovská Z, Vošlajerová Bímová B, Mikula O, Piálek J, Macholán M. Transgressive segregation in a behavioural trait? Explorative strategies in two house mouse subspecies and their hybrids. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01997.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaroslav Piálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno; Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Macholán
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics; Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno; Czech Republic
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Hiadlovská Z, Strnadová M, Macholán M, Bímová BV. Is water really a barrier for the house mouse? A comparative study of two mouse subspecies. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2012. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v61.i3.a14.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Hiadlovská
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Veveří 97, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Strnadová
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Veveří 97, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Macholán
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Veveří 97, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vošlajerová Bímová
- Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Veveří 97, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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The neuroimmune changes induced by cohabitation with an Ehrlich tumor-bearing cage mate rely on olfactory information. Brain Behav Immun 2012; 26:32-9. [PMID: 21787859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.07.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cohabitation for 14 days with Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice was shown to increase locomotor activity, to decrease hypothalamic noradrenaline (NA) levels, to increase NA turnover and to decrease innate immune responses and decrease the animals' resistance to tumor growth. Cage mates of a B16F10 melanoma-bearer mice were also reported to show neuroimmune changes. Chemosignals released by Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice have been reported to be relevant for the neutrophil activity changes induced by cohabitation. The present experiment was designed to further analyze the effects of odor cues on neuroimmune changes induced by cohabitation with a sick cage mate. Specifically, the relevance of chemosignals released by an Ehrlich tumor-bearing mouse was assessed on the following: behavior (open-field and plus maze); hypothalamic NA levels and turnover; adrenaline (A) and NA plasmatic levels; and host resistance induced by tumor growth. To comply with such objectives, devices specifically constructed to analyze the influence of chemosignals released from tumor-bearing mice were employed. The results show that deprivation of odor cues released by Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice reversed the behavioral, neurochemical and immune changes induced by cohabitation. Mice use scents for intraspecies communication in many social contexts. Tumors produce volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere through breath, sweat, and urine. Our results strongly suggest that volatile compounds released by Ehrlich tumor-injected mice are perceived by their conspecifics, inducing the neuroimmune changes reported for cohabitation with a sick companion.
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Achiraman S, Archunan G, Sankarganesh D, Rajagopal T, Rengarajan RL, Kokilavani P, Kamalakkannan S, Kannan S. Biochemical analysis of female mice urine with reference to endocrine function: a key tool for estrus detection. Zoolog Sci 2011; 28:600-5. [PMID: 21801001 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.28.600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Species-specific chemical signals released through urine, sweat, saliva and feces are involved in communication between animals. Urinary biochemical constituents along with pheromones may contribute to variation across reproductive cycles and facilitate to estrus detection. Hence, the present study was designed to analyze such biochemical profiles, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fatty acids, in response with steroid hormones such as estradiol and progesterone. The experimental groups were normal, prepubertal, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized with estrogentreated female mice. In normal mice, the protein and lipid concentrations in urine were significantly higher in proestrus and estrus phases and the quantity of fatty acids was also comparatively higher in estrus. Furthermore, certain fatty acids, namely tridecanoic, palmitic and oleic acids, were present during proestrus and estrus phases, but were exclusively absent in ovariectomized mice. However, the carbohydrate level was equally maintained throughout the four phases of estrous cycle. For successful communication, higher concentrations of protein and specific fatty acids in estrus are directly involved. The significant increase in estradiol at estrus and progesterone at metestrus seems to be of greater importance in the expression pattern of biochemical constituents and may play a notable role in estrous cycle regulation. Thus, we conclude that the variations observed in the concentration of the biochemical constituents depend on the phase of the reproductive cycle as well as hormonal status of animals. The appearance of protein and specific fatty acids during estrus phase raises the possibility to use these as a urinary indicators for estrus detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Achiraman
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamilnadu, India.
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Bímová BV, Macholán M, Baird SJE, Munclinger P, Dufková P, Laukaitis CM, Karn RC, Luzynski K, Tucker PK, Piálek J. Reinforcement selection acting on the European house mouse hybrid zone. Mol Ecol 2011; 20:2403-24. [PMID: 21521395 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2011.05106.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural isolation may lead to complete speciation when partial postzygotic isolation acts in the presence of divergent-specific mate-recognition systems. These conditions exist where Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus come into contact and hybridize. We studied two mate-recognition signal systems, based on urinary and salivary proteins, across a Central European portion of the mouse hybrid zone. Introgression of the genomic regions responsible for these signals: the major urinary proteins (MUPs) and androgen binding proteins (ABPs), respectively, was compared to introgression at loci assumed to be nearly neutral and those under selection against hybridization. The preference of individuals taken from across the zone regarding these signals was measured in Y mazes, and we develop a model for the analysis of the transition of such traits under reinforcement selection. The strongest assortative preferences were found in males for urine and females for ABP. Clinal analyses confirm nearly neutral introgression of an Abp locus and two loci closely linked to the Abp gene cluster, whereas two markers flanking the Mup gene region reveal unexpected introgression. Geographic change in the preference traits matches our reinforcement selection model significantly better than standard cline models. Our study confirms that behavioural barriers are important components of reproductive isolation between the house mouse subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Vošlajerová Bímová
- Department of Population Biology, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
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Flanagan KA, Webb W, Stowers L. Analysis of male pheromones that accelerate female reproductive organ development. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16660. [PMID: 21347429 PMCID: PMC3035649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 01/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Male odors can influence a female's reproductive physiology. In the mouse, the odor of male urine results in an early onset of female puberty. Several volatile and protein pheromones have previously been reported to each account for this bioactivity. Here we bioassay inbred BALB/cJ females to study pheromone-accelerated uterine growth, a developmental hallmark of puberty. We evaluate the response of wild-type and mutant mice lacking a specialized sensory transduction channel, TrpC2, and find TrpC2 function to be necessary for pheromone-mediated uterine growth. We analyze the relative effectiveness of pheromones previously identified to accelerate puberty through direct bioassay and find none to significantly accelerate uterine growth in BALB/cJ females. Complementary to this analysis, we have devised a strategy of partial purification of the uterine growth bioactivity from male urine and applied it to purify bioactivity from three different laboratory strains. The biochemical characteristics of the active fraction of all three strains are inconsistent with that of previously known pheromones. When directly analyzed, we are unable to detect previously known pheromones in urine fractions that generate uterine growth. Our analysis indicates that pheromones emitted by males to advance female puberty remain to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Flanagan
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - William Webb
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Lisa Stowers
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Odor cues from tumor-bearing mice induces neuroimmune changes. Behav Brain Res 2010; 214:357-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Abstract
The assessment of hormones in saliva has gained wide acceptance in clinical endocrinology. To date, there is no hypothesis as to why some hormones can be found in saliva, while others cannot, and whether there is a physiological consequence of this fact. A number of carefully performed studies give examples of important physiological hormonal activity in saliva. Steroids, such as androgens, act as pheromones in olfactory communication of various mammalian species, such as facilitating mating behavior in swine or serving as odor cues for rodent nestlings. Salivary peptide hormones, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and amines such as melatonin, are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and in the promotion of cell proliferation, and contribute to a rapid wound healing in the oropharyngeal epithelia. Current data provide evidence of the involvement of salivary cytokines, such as interleukin-8 and leptin, in tumorgenesis in the oral cavity and the salivary glands. The tumor tissues express and release significantly more of these cytokines than healthy glands. Consequently, the assessment of salivary hormone profiles may provide promising targets for diagnostic tumor markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gröschl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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