Vomeroglandin/CRP-ductin is strongly expressed in the glands associated with the mouse vomeronasal organ: Identification and characterization of mouse vomeroglandin

Vomeroglandin, a subform of mouse CRP-ductin, is a protein strongly express ed in the glands of mouse vomeronasal system. Both the proteins contain sev eral of scavenger receptor cysteine-rich and CUB domains and one ZP domain. This domain arrangement is similar to those of rat Ebnerin, human DMBT1, a nd rabbit hensin, In situ hybridization analysis shows strong expression of vomeroglandin mRNA in the glands of vomeronasal system. Immunological anal yses detect both membrane-bound and secreted forms of vomeroglandin, The se creted protein seems to be localized in the lumen of the vomeronasal organ, playing a certain role in the pheromone perception. (C) 2000 Academic Pres s.