Meeting Abstract

134.1  Monday, Jan. 7  MUP expression is linked with sociality not competitive ability in male house mice CUNNINGHAM, CB*; NELSON, AC; RUFF, JS; POTTS, WK; University of Utah; University of Utah; University of Utah; University of Utah cbc83@uga.edu

Although success in physical conflict is a major determinant of mammalian fitness, little is known about the relationship between chemical communication and an individual’s competitive ability. Mice excrete large amounts of protein in their urine, most of which are Major Urinary Proteins (MUPs). MUPs are polymorphic and are involved in signaling individual identity, and their expression responds to changes in the social environment. However, it is not known how MUP expression relates to competitive ability. Here, we assessed the relationship between MUP expression, experience in a socially competitive environment, and competitive ability. Mixed sex groups were introduced into semi-natural enclosures and remained for multiple days to assess male competitive ability; urine samples were taken before and after each of two rounds of competition. MUP expression was strongly influenced by accumulating social experience; i.e., MUP expression increased after each social period. This supports the idea that MUPs function in social communication. Surprisingly, competitive ability lacked a strong association with MUP expression. However, a sire’s competitive ability was negatively associated with his sons’ MUP expression. This suggests that competitive ability might have a trans-generational influence on MUP expression. In conclusion, our results challenge the claim that MUP levels are not biologically meaningful.