Major urinary protein
Function
Major urinary proteins (Mups) bind and release pheromones. They may also protect pheromones from oxidation. In this context, they play a role in the regulation of social behaviors, such as aggression, mating, pup-suckling, territory establishment and dominance. Acts as a kairomone, detected by the prey vomeronasal organ and inducing fear reactions in mice.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the calycin superfamily. Lipocalin family.
Tissue Specificity
Abundant in the urine of adult male rats but absent from that of females.
Cellular localization
- 15.5 kDa fatty acid-binding protein
- Cytoplasm
- Cytosol
- It is probably taken up from the urinary lumen by endocytosis.
- Secreted
Alternative names
Major urinary protein, MUP, Allergen Rat n I, Alpha(2)-euglobulin, Alpha-2u-globulin, alpha-2u globulin PGCL1