Darcin: Proteins and Enzymes

Darcin (also called Mup20) belongs to the family of major urinary proteins (MUPs), a subfamily of proteins found in abundance in the urine. Like all MUPs, Darcin is a member of the lipocalin family of ligand-binding proteins, and preferentially binds the volatile pheromome (S)-2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole (SBT). Darcin is present in the urine of male and acts as a sex pheromone that elicits female sexual attraction to a male's urine scent. Recently it was reported that Darcin elicits a complex and variable behavioural repertoire that consists of attraction, ultrasonic vocalization and urinary scent marking, and also serves as a reinforcer in learning paradigms. Darcin reinforces behaviours that promote mate encounters and mate selection. Recombinant Darcin shows similar activity compared to natural Darcin.