Trpc2 Knock Out Mice

In mouse, the Trpc2 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 2) gene is expressed primarily in the neurons of the vomeronasal organ (VNO). It is involved with processes of pheromone detection which impact social behaviors. The protein is not expressed by humans, which carry a pseudogene. These targeted mutant mice carry a knockout of Trpc2. Western blot from the VNO shows elimination of expression. Homozygotes are deficient in VNO signaling and the detection of vomeronasal cues. Male mice deficient in TRPC2 expression fail to display male-male aggression, and they initiate sexual and courtship behaviors toward both males and females. Female mice deficient in TRPC2 show a reduction in maternal aggression and lactating behavior. They do display characteristics of male sexual and courtship behaviors such as mounting, pelvic thrust, solicitation, anogenital olfactory investigation, and emission of complex unltrasonic vocalizations towards male and female conspecific mice. In the adult, the number of V1R neurons in the homozygous mice is reduced by approximately 50% and the number of V2R-expressing neurons is reduced by approximately 75% in comparison with heterozygous mice.

Jax Stock Number: 21208

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