The genetic and biological substrates facilitating chemosensory detection, identification, and evaluation of potential mates in the Southern giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei)

The Southern giant pouched rat, Cricetomys ansorgei, provides an exquisite opportunity to study the dynamics of chemical communication in a natural environment. This species possesses extremely powerful chemosensory abilities, even by comparison to other rodents. The acute chemical senses of the pouched rat are powerful enough to detect explosives and cryptic disease, and this species represents a remarkable tool for human society. Furthermore, pouched rats have a reproductive physiology like no other species, in which adult-sized females (over a year old) lack a vaginal opening. Pouched rats have a dynamic system of chemical communication in which interpretation of pheromones differs depending on the sex, phenotype and reproductive status of the emitter and the receiver. This project utilizes an integrative approach combing behavioral, physiological and molecular evidence to describe the genetic and biological substrates facilitating detection, identification, and evaluation of potential mates.

南部巨囊鼠（Cricetomys ansorgei）为在自然环境中研究化学通讯（chemical communication）的动态机制提供了绝佳契机。即便与其他啮齿类动物相比，该物种的化学感知能力也极强。囊鼠的敏锐化学感知系统足以探测爆炸物与隐性疾病，因此该物种成为助力人类社会的杰出工具。此外，囊鼠的生殖生理学特征独树一帜：成年雌性个体（年龄超1岁）无阴道开口。囊鼠拥有一套动态调控的化学通讯系统，其对信息素（pheromones）的识别解读会因信号发送者与接收者的性别、表型及生殖状态而异。本项目采用整合行为学、生理学与分子生物学证据的研究方法，阐明助力潜在配偶探测、识别与评估的遗传与生物学基础。