Linked Life Data

18424142

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/18424142

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
8
pubmed:dateCreated
2008-4-23
pubmed:abstractText
The role of individual genetic heterozygosity in mate choice is the subject of much current debate. Several recent studies have reported female preference for more heterozygous males, but the mechanisms underlying heterozygote preference remain largely unknown. Females could favor males that are more successful in intrasexual competition, but they could also assess male heterozygosity directly at specific polymorphic genetic markers. Here, we use a breeding program to remove the intrinsic correlation between genome-wide heterozygosity and two highly polymorphic gene clusters that could allow direct assessment of heterozygosity through scent in mice: the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the major urinary proteins (MUPs). When other sources of variation are controlled and intrasexual competition is minimized, female mice prefer to associate with MUP heterozygous over MUP homozygous males. MHC heterozygosity does not influence preference, and neither does heterozygosity across the rest of the genome when intrasexual competition between males is restricted. Female mice thus assess male heterozygosity directly through multiple MUP isoforms expressed in scent signals, independently of the effects of genome-wide heterozygosity on male competitiveness. This is the first evidence that animals may use signals of genetic heterozygosity that have no direct association with individual vigour.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Apr
pubmed:issn
0960-9822
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
22
pubmed:volume
18
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
619-23
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2008
pubmed:articleTitle
The direct assessment of genetic heterozygosity through scent in the mouse.
pubmed:affiliation
Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Department of Veterinary Preclinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't