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Review
. 2024 Apr;62(2):e23597.
doi: 10.1002/dvg.23597.

Type 2 vomeronasal receptor-A4 subfamily: Potential predator sensors in mice

Andrea Rocha  1 , Quynh Anh Thi Nguyen  1 , Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Type 2 vomeronasal receptor-A4 subfamily: Potential predator sensors in mice

Andrea Rocha et al. Genesis. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Sensory signals detected by olfactory sensory organs are critical regulators of animal behavior. An accessory olfactory organ, the vomeronasal organ, detects cues from other animals and plays a pivotal role in intra- and inter-species interactions in mice. However, how ethologically relevant cues control mouse behavior through approximately 350 vomeronasal sensory receptor proteins largely remains elusive. The type 2 vomeronasal receptor-A4 (V2R-A4) subfamily members have been repeatedly detected from vomeronasal sensory neurons responsive to predator cues, suggesting a potential role of this receptor subfamily as a sensor for predators. This review focuses on this intriguing subfamily, delving into its receptor functions and genetic characteristics.

Keywords: organism; mammal, mouse, rat; process; genetics, signaling; tissue; olfactory organ, vomeronasal organ.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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