Histocompatibility Genes and Mate Choice: Chemosensory Mechanisms and Parasite Resistance

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Animal Behavior ProgramNon-technical AbstractTitle: Histocompatability genes and mate choice: chemosensory mechanisms and parasite resistance.PI: Potts, Wayne K.Proposal #: 9904609 The genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) encode proteins that play a central role in the immune response. Therefore these genes influence resistance to infectious and autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, evidence indicates that house mice (and probably humans) prefer to mate with individuals carrying MHC genes that are different from their own. MHC-dissimilar mating preferences in house mice and other vertebrates might function to reduce inbreeding or to produce immunologically diverse offspring with greater resistance to infectious disease. Dr. Potts and Dr. Penn will conduct research directed at testing both these questions: (1) Which specific genes within the MHC region are responsible for the observed mating preferences. (2) Do MHC genes influence odors that can be discriminated by house mice without training? (3) Do house mice recognize MHC-dissimilarity by comparison to their own MHC type, or by comparison to that of their nestmates? (4) Do MHC-dissimilar mating preferences function to slow down the rate at which parasites can adapt to their hosts' immune systems? This research on MHC mediated behaviors has several important implications. It will help to clarify some of the most intriguing problems in animal behavior, such as how genes influence complex social behaviors and how mating preferences enhance the ability of offspring to resist disease. Moreover, our work will have important implications for understanding the genetics and development of chemosensory (odor) communication and the selective forces maintaining genetic diversity.