Abstract
Important part of mouse chemical signalling system is Major Urinary Protein complex (MUP). These proteins are known as pheromone-carriers that prolong longevity of the pheromones by retarding their evaporation from the scent mark.
Their other role in chemical communication is direct signalling which is mediated by VNO. MUP have been shown to trigger both behavioural and physiological effects in recipient.The Ph.D. thesis is related to the urinary proteins in the house mouse and Mastomys coucha.
Thesis contains four chapters represented by three published and one submitted manuscript. One aim of the thesis is to provide information about these proteins in the subspecies Mus musculus musculus which is widespread in the Czech Republic and which is much less studied when compared to Mus musculus domesticus.