Sexual ID switch is found

A gene named TRP2 (pronounced "Trip 2") produces a signaling protein that regulates both aggression and sexual behavior in male mice. Male mice can, of course, distinguish other males from females by their looks, size, and smell. But a Harvard research team, led by Catherine Dulac in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. found that with TRP2 switched off, no matter what their senses tell them, male mice will not fight for their territory, and they will make love to male intruders as quickly as they will to females. "We are totally surprised that a single gene has such a profound effect on behavior," admits Dulac. "In humans, such basic behaviors are unlikely to be explained by the activity of only one gene. Using the mouse as a model for humans, however, can help us to better understand how the brain influences behavior through input from sensory systems."