Searching for major urinary proteins (MUPs) as chemosignals in urine of subterranean rodents.

Chemosensory information mediates behavior in many rodent genera. Major Urinary Proteins (MUPs) facilitate chemical communication in some species of mice. We sought to demonstrate the importance of MUPs in chemosignaling across a range of rodent genera that live in different habitats and social structures. We analyzed urine from three subterranean rodent genera from different continents, and with diverse social systems: eusocial Zambian mole-rats (Fukomys), solitary Israeli blind mole rats (Spalax), and social Chilean coruros (Spalacopus). 2D gel electrophoresis revealed low levels of protein, with sequences similar to aphrodisin, in Fukomys mole-rat urine, but no MUPs in urine of any of the studied species. Previous research demonstrated that subjects from the tested genera responded differentially to odors indicating transmission of individuality, family/colony or population, species, and reproductive state in secretions and excretions of conspecifics. This extends, to subterranean rodents, the evidence that rodent species can successfully transmit and receive chemosignals without the necessity of MUPs.