Research Group 2: Evolutionary Genetics

		Jan Axtner Evolutionary Genetics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin

Studies and scientific career:

Publications:

Articles:

Axtner J, Sommer S (2007). Gene duplication, allelic diversity, selection processes and adaptive value of MHC class II DRB genes of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus. Immunogenetics 59 (5): 417-26

Axtner J, Sommer S (2009). Validation of internal reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in a non-model organism, the yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis. BMC Research Notes 2:264

Weyrich A, Axtner J, Sommer S (2010). Selection and validation of reference genes for Real Time RT-PCR studies in the non-model species Delomys sublineatus, an endemic Brazilian rodent. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.12.173.

Talks:

“MHC gene expression in relation to parasite burden in a non-model organism, the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis)”, 7th International Conference on Behaviour, Physiology and Genetics of Wildlife, 2009 Berlin -Germany

Posters:

 “MHC gene expression of small mammals in relation to parasite burden and habitat parameters”, bioseb Summer School in Ecology and Biodiversity, 2008 Bialowieca -Poland

“BioCAPSP II: Biodiversity conservation in fragmented landscapes at the Atlântic Plateau of São Paulo”, bioseb Summer School in Ecology and Biodiversity, 2008 Bialowieca -Poland

Project:

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are one side of a co-evolutionary arms race between host and their parasites. They are coding for cell surface glycoproteins in vertebrates and are responsible for the recognition of foreign antigens and thereby directly linked with parasite resistance and individual fitness. MHC gene expression can be reduced by regulatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 10). Helminths are thought to induce a pronounced Il-10 production in hosts that lead to an immunotolerance of the parasite. We study the complex system of regulatory mechanisms, MHC expression and parasite burden via quantitative real-time PCR in order to transfer knowledge gained so far in mouse models to free ranging species that underlie natural selection processes.