Pheromone Signaling

Providing experimental methods and protocols for performing pheromone research in a variety of organisms ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates, Pheromone Signaling: Methods and Protocols covers a wide spectrum of experimental approaches necessary for handling pheromone molecules, measuring receptor response and neural activation, and analyzing behavioral output. A great deal of progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pheromone action, largely due to the discovery of receptor genes, the advancement of imaging techniques, and key multi-disciplinary approaches including aspects of organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and behavioral science. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Authoritative and practical, Pheromone Signaling: Methods and Protocols details the key methodologies utilized in laboratories all over the world, making them accessible to those who want to begin investigation in the area of pheromone research.

Includes cutting-edge methods and protocols in the field of pheromone signaling

Female Moth Pheromones.- Pheromones in the Fruit Fly.- Analysis of Volatile Mouse Pheromones by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.- Murine Non-Volatile Pheromones: Isolation of Exocrine-Gland Secreting Peptide 1.- Chemical Analysis of Aquatic Pheromones in Fish.- Analysis of Ascarosides fromCaenorhabditis elegansUsing Mass Spectrometry and NMR Spectroscopy.- Identification of Chemosensory Receptor Genes from Vertebrate Genomes.- Functional Assays for Insect Olfactory Receptors in Xenopus Oocytes.- A Protocol for Heterologous Expression and Functional Assay for Mouse Pheromone Receptors.- Genetic Manipulation to Analyze Pheromone Responses: Knockouts of Multiple Receptor Genes.- Electro-Antennogram and Single Sensillum Recording in Insect Antennae.- Calcium Imaging of Pheromone Responses in the Insect Antennal Lobe.- Live Cell Calcium Imaging of Dissociated Vomeronasal Neurons.- Whole Mount Imaging of Responses in Mouse Vomeronasal Neurons.- Calcium Imaging of Vomeronasal Organ Response Using Slice Preparations from Transgenic Mice Expressing G-CaMP2.- The Electrovomeronasogram: Field Potential Recordings in the Mouse Vomeronasal Organ.- Electrical Recordings from the Accessory Olfactory Bulb in VNO-AOB Ex Vivo Preparations.- Pheromone-Induced Expression of Immediate Early Genes in the Mouse Vomeronasal Sensory System.- Insect Pheromone Behavior: Fruit Fly.- Quantitative Assessment of Pheromone-Induced Dauer Formation inCaenorhabditis elegans.Acute Behavioral Responses to Pheromones in C. elegans(Adult Behaviors: Attraction, Repulsion).- Behavioral Analysis of Pheromones in Fish.- Analysis of Male Aggressive and Sexual Behavior in Mice.- Assessment of Urinary Pheromone Discrimination, Partner Preference, and Mating Behaviors in Female Mice.- Assessing Postpartum Maternal Care, Alloparental Behavior, and Infanticide in Mice: With Notes on Chemosensory Influences.- Testing Smell When It is Really Vital: Behavioral Assays of Social Odors in the Neonatal Mouse.- An Assay for Human Chemosignals.