The Role of M-Ras in Social Recognition

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I study various aspects of communication between and inside of cells. Over 15 years ago, we discovered a new member of the Ras family of proteins, called M-Ras, which is present in both mammals and simpler organisms like worms. The Ras family members link signals from the outside of the cell to the resulting changes that happen inside the cell. We created mice and worms without M-Ras to investigate its function. While studying mice that lack M-Ras, we observed higher levels of aggression, altered social interactions, increased mating behavior with certain individuals and poor parenting skills. These behaviours involve a learning process that is known to require the generation of new neurons from stem cells and exposure to new odours or pheromones. M-Ras is abundant in the brain of mammals and particularly in areas where new neurons are made. M-Ras is abundant in worms in the sensory organs and reproductive organs of worms, suggesting that there are changes in odour and mating behavior in worms lacking M-Ras. We want to understand the molecular mechanisms by which M-Ras regulates the cells involved in odour learning and also determine if pheromone secretion may be altered. We will, in parallel, study the behaviour of different genetically modified mice and worms in collaboration with Dr. Cathy Rankin, an expert in worm behavior. We believe that M-Ras is the first signaling molecule that could connect the immediate detection of pheromones to the process of neuron production and odour learning. This new fundamental knowledge about memory of individual recognition, aggression and reproductive behaviour may have implications for animal reproduction in agriculture and in the conservation of endangered species.