Kin Recognition in Mice

Researchers from Liverpool University have discovered a genetic marker that allows different species of mice to recognize close relatives. The genetic marker identified is known as the major urinary protein (MUP). This marker is detected through scent, allowing female house mice to select closely related females to be nest partners. Previously, it was believed that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) was responsible for kin recognition in vertebrates, but this study rejected this hypothesis. Animals, including humans, bias cooperation towards close relatives because it increases the odds that shared genetic information will be passed to the next generation. Female mice choose close relatives as nest partners regardless of prior familiarity. Jane Hurst, the lead author of the study, says that this research challenges the current assumption that there is a common kin recognition marker built into the physiology of all vertebrates. If all vertebrates do not have a similar marker, Hurst intends on looking into the consequences in species who have not evolved this genetic marker. The team previously uncovered that the MUP may also provide a genetic marker that prevents inbreeding with close kin, but were unable to prove the mechanisms involved. Hurst explains that the team's next move is to investigate whether other species have evolved a similar genetic marker to aid in relative recognition. As a bigger picture, Hurst believes that understanding social groupings within populations can be important in captive programs for promoting better cooperation between the animals.

Oddly enough, I find it interesting that this genetic marker aids in kin recognition, yet many mice still interbreed. I can imagine that this marker prevents mice from interbreeding with very close relatives, but interbreeding in itself still has many risks. Hopefully the team is able to identify whether species without this genetic marker have an increased rate of interbreeding. Perhaps other species have other methods to avoid breeding with relatives. Either way, this research, as Hurst mentioned, can be very helpful for captive breeding programs.


To read the original article, click here.
To read the article written by Jane Hurst and partners in Current Biology, click here.