Abstract
Social communication in the house mouse (Mus musculus) relies heavily on pheromone-carrying major urinary proteins (MUPs), which delay release of pheromones thus extending longevity of the scent signal. Moreover, MUPs appear to play an important role in individual recognition.
Their expression undergoes complex regulation and is condition and state dependent. The consequences of the expression changes for MUP function are, however, largely unknown.
Interestingly, it has been shown that these proteins elicit a response in vomeronasal neurons and trigger behavioural and physiological responses in the signal receiver. The aim of this review is to summarise recent knowledge about MUPs and to discuss previous findings in the light of novel facts.
We also present information about MUP-like proteins in other rodent species and the progress that has been recently made in their description.