Functional expression of murine V2R pheromone receptors involves selective association with the M10 and M1 families of MHC class Ib molecules

Jennifer Loconto, Fabio Papes, Ernie Chang, Lisa Stowers, Elsy P. Jones, Toyoyuki Takada, Attila Kumánovics, Kirsten Fischer Lindahl, Catherine Dulac

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

246 Scopus citations

Abstract

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the mouse has two neuronal compartments expressing distinct families of pheromone receptors, the V1Rs and the V2Rs. We report here that two families of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecules, the M10 and the M1 families, show restricted expression in V2R-expressing neurons. Our data suggest that neurons expressing a given V2R specifically co-express one or a few members of the M10 family. Biochemical and immunocytochemical analysis demonstrates that in VNO sensory dendrites M10s belong to large multi-molecular complexes that include pheromone receptors and β2-microglobulin (β2m). In cultured cells, M10s appear to function as escort molecules in transport of V2Rs to the cell surface. Accordingly, β2m-deficient mice exhibit mislocalization of V2Rs in the VNO and a specific defect in male-male aggressive behavior. The functional characterization of M10 highlights an unexpected role for MHC molecules in pheromone detection by mammalian VNO neurons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)607-618
Number of pages12
JournalCell
Volume112
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 7 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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