TMEM16A and TMEM16B Modulate PheromoneEvoked Action Potential Firing in Mouse Vomeronasal Sensory Neurons

The mouse vomeronasal system controls several social behaviors. Pheromones and other social cues are detected by sensory neurons in the vomeronasal organ (VNO). Stimuli activate a transduction cascade that leads to membrane potential depolarization, increase in cytosolic Ca2+ level, and increased firing. The Ca2+-activated chloride channels TMEM16A and TMEM16B are co-expressed within microvilli of vomeronasal neurons, but their physiological role remains elusive. Here, we investigate the contribution of each of these channels to vomeronasal neuron firing activity by comparing wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice. Performing loosepatch recordings from neurons in acute VNO slices, we show that spontaneous activity is modified by Tmem16a KO, indicating that TMEM16A, but not TMEM16B, is active under basal conditions. Upon exposure to diluted urine, a rich source of mouse pheromones, we observe significant changes in activity. Vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) from Tmem16a cKO and Tmem16b KO mice show shorter interspike intervals (ISIs) compared with WT mice, indicating that both TMEM16A and TMEM16B modulate the firing pattern of pheromone-evoked activity in VSNs.

Automated summary

The mouse vomeronasal system controls several social behaviors by detecting pheromones and social cues. TMEM16A and TMEM16B chloride channels in vomeronasal neurons play a role in modulating firing patterns in response to mouse pheromones, with TMEM16A being active under basal conditions and both channels influencing activity upon exposure to pheromones.