Identification of primer pheromones in mammals and elucidation of a neural basis for the pheromone action

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18H05267
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Broad Section F
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: TOUHARA Kazushige 東京大学, 大学院農学生命科学研究科(農学部), 教授 (00280925)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-06-11 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: フェロモン / 嗅覚 / 受容体 / 神経回路 / 生殖

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to elucidate molecular and neural bases of primer pheromones that induce physiological changes in mammals. In mice, we obtained structural knowledge of pheromone molecules involved in the promotion of sexual maturation and induction and suppression of estrus, and clarified their receptors and neural basis. We found that the molecules are also involved in male-to-male aggression. To identify pheromone molecules involved in pregnancy inhibition, we obtained new knowledge on the mechanism of memory acquisition in mating partners. We identified body odor molecules that change with the sexual cycle in humans, and found that these odors cause physiological and psychological effects.

Free Research Field

生物化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

哺乳類でのプライマーフェロモン効果の分子神経基盤の解明は、天然物化学、生化学、分子生物学、脳神経科学といった、生物と化学の融合学際領域で学術的波及効果が期待される。フェロモン分子から生殖機能へと至る多階層での理解は、ヒトを含めた哺乳類の生殖制御・機能障害解決に向けて有用な基礎研究基盤となる。体臭を介してお互いの生理・心理が影響しあうという知見は、五感の中でも視聴覚に焦点が行きがちな人間社会で、ヒト同士のコミュニケーションにおいて嗅覚が新しい社会実装ターゲットになる可能性を提供する。