Vomeronasal organ: pheromone recognition with a twist.
Pheromones are detected by the vomeronasal organ using members of two receptor superfamilies: the V1Rs and V2Rs. New studies show that MHC class I molecules are co-expressed in particular combinations with specific V2Rs in the vomeronasal organ. The role of these MHC molecules is unknown, but they may be of considerable biological significance.
Thorne
Natasha
N
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, 252 CARL Bldg./Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA. hoa1@duke.edu
Amrein
Hubert
H
D000818:Animals; D002628:Chemoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D010675:Pheromones / Q000378:metabolism*; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin / Q000378:metabolism*; D019147:Vomeronasal Organ / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D010675:Pheromones; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin