The mouse (Mus musculus) genome codes for 21 major urinary proteins (MUPs). MUPs are a part of a larger protein family known as lipocalins, as such they contain a characteristic hydrophobic binding pocket that will bind volatile or other lipophilic molecules. Importantly, MUPs also serve as chemical signals themselves and can relay information to conspecifics independent of any bound molecules. A given mouse will express and emit a unique subset of MUPs which can elicit specific social behaviors, as well as differentiate between “self” and other. MUP expression occurs predominantly in adult male mice and is under the control of testosterone, growth hormone and thyroxine hormonal axes. However, the mechanism by which MUPs are chosen for expression is not clearly understood. This study looks to create a model system to study gene expression of MUPs using the female mouse liver cell lines Hepa1-6. In order to induce MUP expression, Hepa1-6 cells are being treated with varying combinations of hormone treatments, deacetylation inhibitors, and methylation inhibitors. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis are being used to determine MUP gene expression. The MUPs present an interesting model system to study gene regulation, and this study will allow us to contribute to the greater understanding of one of molecular biology’s long standing questions
