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Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Title:		Reintroducing domesticated wild mice to sociality induces adaptive transgenerational effects on MUP expression
Author(s):		Nelson AC; Cauceglia JW; Merkley SD; Youngson NA; Oler AJ; Nelson RJ; Cairns BR; Whitelaw E; Potts WK;
Address:		"Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112"
Journal Title:		Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Year:		2013
Volume:		20131118
Issue:		49
Page Number:		19848 - 19853
DOI:		10.1073/pnas.1310427110
ISSN/ISBN:		1091-6490 (Electronic) 0027-8424 (Print) 0027-8424 (Linking)
Abstract:		"When brought into captivity, wild animals can adapt to domestication within 10 generations. Such adaptations may decrease fitness in natural conditions. Many selective pressures are disrupted in captivity, including social behavioral networks. Although lack of sociality in captivity appears to mediate domestication, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Additionally, determining the contribution of genetic inheritance vs. transgenerational effects during relaxed selection may provide insight into the flexibility of adaptation. When wild-derived mice kept under laboratory conditions for eight generations were reintroduced to sociality and promiscuity (free mate choice), they adapted within two generations. Fitness assessments between this promiscuous lineage and a monogamous laboratory lineage revealed male-specific effects. Promiscuous-line males had deficits in viability, but a striking advantage in attracting mates, and their scent marks were also more attractive to females. Here, we investigate mechanistic details underlying this olfactory signal and identify a role of major urinary protein (MUP) pheromones. Promiscuous-line males inherit higher MUP expression than monogamous-line males through transgenerational inheritance. Sociality-driven maternal and paternal effects reveal intriguing conflicts among parents and offspring over pheromone expression. MUP up-regulation is not driven by hormone-driven transduction pathways, but rather is associated with reduction in DNA methylation of a CpG dinucleotide in the promoter. This reduction in methylation could enhance transcription by promoting the binding of transcription factor USF1 (upstream stimulatory factor 1). Finally, we experimentally demonstrate that increased MUP expression is a female attractant. These results identify molecular mechanisms guiding domestication and adaptive responses to fluctuating sociality"
Keywords:		"Adaptation, Biological/*physiology Animals Animals, Laboratory/*physiology Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Epigenesis, Genetic/physiology Female Male Maternal Exposure Mating Preference, Animal/*physiology Mice Proteins/*metabolism Radioimmunoassay *Social;"
Notes:		"MedlineNelson, Adam C Cauceglia, Joseph W Merkley, Seth D Youngson, Neil A Oler, Andrew J Nelson, Randy J Cairns, Bradley R Whitelaw, Emma Potts, Wayne K eng R01 GM109500/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ R01 GM039578/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ R01-GM039578/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ R01-GM109500/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ T32 GM007464/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. 2013/11/20 Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Dec 3; 110(49):19848-53. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1310427110. Epub 2013 Nov 18"