Research Group 2: Evolutionary Genetics

Education and scientific activities

Current research interests

Phylogeny, Phylogeography, genetic population structure (Lagomorphs, Cervids, Lynx)
Evolution of adaptive traits (Lagomorphs, Cervids)
Evolution of host-pathogene interactions (EEHV)

Additional activities

Lectures and courses (Evolutionary genetics, Humboldt-University Berlin)
supervision of graduate students
reviewer for scientific journals
legal opinions (forensics)

Scientific Publications

Neubauer K, Jewgenow K, Fickel J (2006): Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in felids: intra- and interspecies variation. Theriogenology, in press.

Kalz B, Jewgenow K, Fickel J (2006): Structure of an otter population in Germany - results of DNA and hormone analyses from faecal samples. Mammalian Biology, in press.

Reid CE, Hildebrandt TB, Marx N, Hunt M, Thy N, Reynes J-M, Schaftenaar W, Fickel J (2006): The first PCR-confirmed fatal endotheliotropic elephant herpes virus case in Asia. Veterinary Quarterly, in press

Göritz F, Neubauer K, Naidenko J, Fickel J, Jewgenow K (2006): Experimental investigations on reproductive physiology in male Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx). Theriogenology, in press.

Jewgenow K, Göritz F, Neubauer K, Fickel J, SV.Naidenko (2006): Characterization of reproductive activity in captive male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). European Journal of Wildlife Research 52, 34-38.

Blottner S, Wagener A, Schön J, Göritz F, Fickel J (2006): Reproductive fitness in roe bucks (Capreolus capreolus): seasonal timing of testis function. European Journal of Wildlife Research 52, 9-13.

Fickel J, Hohmann U (2006): Establishment of a non-invasive sampling strategy for population size estimates in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) - a methodological approach. European Journal of Wildlife Research 52, 28-33.

Hildebrandt TB, Hermes R, Ratanakorn P, Rietschel W, Fickel J, Frey R, Wibbelt G, Reid C, Göritz F (2005): Ultrasonic assessment and ultrasound-guided biopsy of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Veterinary Record 157, 544-548.

Wagener A, Fickel J, Schön J, Fritzenkötter A, Göritz F, Blottner S (2005): Seasonal variation in expression and localisation of testicular TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3 corresponds with spermatogenic activity in roe deer. Journal of Endocrinology 187, 205-215.

Lünser K, Fickel J, Ludwig A (2005): Evolution of caprine and ovine ß-defensin genes. Immunogenetics 57, 487-498.

Lünser K, Fickel J, Lehnen A, Speck S, Ludwig A (2005): Low level of genetic variability in European bisons (Bison bonasus) from the Bialowieza National Park in Poland. European Journal of Wildlife Research 51, 84-87.

Fickel J, Schmidt A, Putze M, Spittler H, Ludwig A, Streich WJ, Pitra C (2005): Genetic structure of populations of European brown hare: implications for management. Journal of Wildlife Management 69, 760-770.

Frölich K, Streich WJ, Fickel J, Jung S, Truyen U, Hentschke J, Dedek J, Prager D, Latz´N (2005): Epizootiologic investigations of parvovirus infections in free-ranging carnivores from Germany. Journal of Wildlife Disease 41, 231-235.

Clauss M, Gehrke J, Hatt J-M, Dierenfeld ES, Flach EJ, Hermes R, Castell J, Streich WJ, Fickel J (2005): Tannin binding salivary proteins in three captive rhinoceros species. Comperative Biochemistry and Physiology A 140, 67-72.

Reid CE, Marx N, Fickel J, Göritz F, Hunt M, Thy N, Reynes J-M, Schaftenaar W, Hildebrandt TB (2005): Endotheliotropic herpes in Asia: The impact on captive and wild Asian elephant populations. Verhandlungsberichte der Erkrankungen der Zootiere 42, 273.

Pitra C, Fickel J, Meijaard E, Groves CP (2004): Evolution and Phylogeny of Old World deer. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 33, 880-895.

Hohmann U, Fickel J (2004): The use of non-invasive sampling in population estimates of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Rhineland-Palatinate. Advances in Ethology 38, 133.

Neubauer K, Jewgenow K, Fickel J (2004): Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in Felids: intra- and interspecies variation. 5th International Symposium on Canine and Feline Reproduction: Basic and Applied Research on Domestic, Exotic and Endangered Carnivores. 4-6 August, São Paulo, Brazil, Abstracts Book, pp.138-139.

Göritz F, Neubauer K, Naidenko S, Fickel J, Jewgenow K (2004): Experimental investigations on reproductive physiology in male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). 5th International Symposium on Canine and Feline Reproduction: Basic and Applied Research on Domestic, Exotic and Endangered Carnivores. 4-6 August, São Paulo, Brazil, Abstracts Book, pp.132-134.

Neubauer K, Jewgenow K, Pukazhenthi BS, Fickel J (2004): Lack of evidence for FSHR gene variation between normo- and teratospermic domestic cats (Felis catus). Wien Tierärztliche Monatsschrift 91 (Suppl. 2): 46.

Ludwig A, Pitra C, Congiu L, Gessner J, Fickel J, Fontana F, Patarnello T, Zane L (2003): Conservation implications as indicated by the genetic structure of a critical endangered sturgeon species - the adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii. Molecular Ecology 12, 3253-3264

Wagener A, Blottner S, Göritz F, Streich WJ, Fickel J (2003): Differential Changes in expression of a and bFGF, IGF-1 and -2, and TGF-a during seasonal growth and involution of roe deer testis. Growth Factors 21, 95-102.

Kalz B, Koch R, Reinsch A, Priemer J, Fickel J (2003): Erfassung von Fischottern (Lutra lutra L.) mit Hilfe von DNA-Analysen aus Kotproben im Naturpark Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide. Naturschutzarbeit in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 46(1), 67-72.

Kalz B, Fickel J (2003): Vom Fischotter-Kot zum DNA-Profil (Otter zählen und erkennen) - From Lutra spraint to DNA profile (count and identification of otters). Methoden feldökologischer Säugetierforschung 2, 171-180.

Kalz B, Priemer J, Koch R, Fickel J (2003): Untersuchungen an freilebenden Fischottern im Naturpark Nossentiner/ Schwinzer Heide (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) - Investigations on free-living common otters in the Nature park of Nossentiner/ Schwinzer Heide (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). Methoden feldökologischer Säugetierforschung 2, 181-187.

Reuther C, Ehlers M, Schuhmann M, Kalz B, Fickel J (2003): New findings on otters in Guinea-Bissau. IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin 20(1), 19-27.

Wagener A, Blottner S, Fickel J (2003): Seasonal expression of transforming growth factor ß3 (TGFß3) in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) testis. Andrologia 35, 12.

Clauss M, Lason K, Gehrke J, Lechner-Doll M, Fickel J, Grune T, Streich WJ (2003): Captive roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) select for low amounts of tannic acid but not quebracho: fluctuation of preferences and potential benefits. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B 136, 369-382.

Fickel J, Lieckfeldt D, Richman LK, Streich WJ, Hildebrandt TB, Pitra C (2003): Comparison of glycoprotein B variants of the endotheliotropic elephant herpesvirus (EEHV) isolated from Asian elephants. Veterinary Microbiology 91(1), 11-21.

Schettler E, Fickel J, Hotzel H,  Sachse K, Streich WJ, Wittstatt U, Frölich K (2003): Newcastle disease virus and Chlamydia psittaci in free-living raptors from Eastern Germany. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 39(1), 57-63.

Pitra C, Lieckfeldt D, Frahnert S, Fickel J (2002): Phylogenetic relationships and ancestral areas of the bustards (Gruiformes: Otididae), inferred from mitochondrial DNA and nuclear intron sequences. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 23(1), 63-74.

Kalz B, Priemer J, Koch R, Reinsch A, Fickel J (2002): Investigations on free-living Eurasian otters in the nature park of Nossentiner/ Schwinzer Heide (Germany) by DNA typing of spraints. Advances in Etholoy 37, 99

Gehrke J, Fickel J, Lechner-Doll M, Hermes R, Flach EJ, Hatt JM, Clauss M (2002): Tannin-binding salivary proteins in three captive rhinoceros species. Proceedings of the Joint Nutrition Symposium (AAVN American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, ACVN American College of Veterinary Nutrition, CNS Comparative Nutrition Society, ECVCN European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition, ESVCN European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition, EZNRG European Zoo Nutrition Research Group), August 21-25, Antwerp, Belgium, p. 130.

Clauss M, Gehrke J, Fickel J, Lechner-Doll M, Flach EJ, Dierenfeld ES, Hatt JM (2002): Induction of salivary tannin-binding proteins in captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Proceedings of the Joint Nutrition Symposium, August 21-25, Antwerp, Belgium, p. 131.

Gehrke J, Fickel J, Lechner-Doll M, Lason K, Clauss M (2002): Salivary tannin-binding proteins are not affected by mid-term feeding history in captive roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Proceedings of the Joint Nutrition Symposium, August 21-25, Antwerp, Belgium, p. 132.

Schaftenaar W, Mensink JMCH, deBoer AM, Hildebrandt TB, Fickel J (2001): Successful treatment of a subadult Asian bull elephant (Elephas maximus) infected with the endotheliotropic elephant herpes virus. Verhandlungsberichte der Erkrankungen der Zootiere 40, 141-146.

Fickel J, Reinsch A, Richman LK, Montali R, Schaftenaar W, Göritz F, Hildebrandt TB (2001): Detection of the elephant herpesvirus in Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephants in European zoos. Veterinary Microbiology 82, 103-109.

Hildebrandt TB, Fickel J, Göritz F, Rietschel W, Lieckfeldt D, Montali RJ, Richman LK, Ratanakorn P (2001): Survey on presence of the endotheliotropic elephant herpesvirus (EEHV) in Thai camp elephants. Proceedings of the joint Conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians (AAWV), Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), National Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (NAZWV), Orlando, FL, USA, p. 183-185.

Fickel J, Reinsch A (2000): Microsatellite markers for the European Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Molecular Ecology 9(7), 994-995.

Frölich K, Czupalla O, Haas L, Hentschke J, Dudek J, Fickel J (2000): Epizootiological investigation about canine distemper in free-ranging carnivores from Germany. Veterinary. Microbiology 74(4), 283-292.

Wagener A, Blottner S, Fickel J (2000): Detection of growth factors in the testis of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Animal Reproduction Sciences 64(1-2), 65-75.

Fickel J (2000): The trouble with the endotheliotropic elephant herpes virus (EEHV). Proceedings of the International workshop on assessment and management of the reproductive system in Asian elephants. May 3rd-16th, 2000, Thailand, pp. 134-137.

Fickel J, Richman LK, Reinsch A, Montali R, Schaftenaar W, Göritz F, Hildebrandt TB (2000): Survey on the occurrence of the endotheliotropic elephant herpesvirus (EEHV) in Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephants in European Zoos. Proceedings of the 3rd Scientific Meeting of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV), May 31st-June 4th, 2000, Paris, France, pp. 175-178.

Fickel J, Lieckfeldt D, Reinsch A, Göritz F, Hildebrandt TB (2000): Investigations on the occurrence of elephant herpesvirus infections in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Advances in Ethology 35, 133.

Fickel J, Reinsch A, Duncan P (2000): Comparison of two Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) populations using microsatellite markers. Advances in Ethology 35, 134.

Frölich K, O.Czupalla, Fickel J (2000). Canine distemper in free-ranging carnivores from Germany. Proceedings of the 3rd Scientific Meeting of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV), May 31st-June 4th, Paris, France, p. 25-28.

Frölich K, Czupalla O, Haas L, Dedek J, Fickel J (2000): Epizootiological investigations on Canine distemper in Germany. Proceedings of the 4th Meeting of the European Wildlife Disease Association, Zaragoza, Spain, September 20-23, p.25.

Schettler E, Fickel J, Hafez HM, Hotzel H, Prusas C, Frölich K (2000): Selected infectious agents in free-living birds of prey in Eastern Germany. Proceedings of the 4th Meeting of the European Wildlife Disease Association, Zaragoza, Spain, September 20-23, p.40.

Jewgenow K, Fickel J (1999): Sequential expression of zona pellucida protein genes during the oogenesis of domestic cats. Biology of Reproduction 60, 522-526.

Richman LK, Montali RJ, Hildebrandt T, Fickel J, Schmitt D, Hayward GS (1999): Status of a new, fatal herpesvirus disease of elephants in North America and Europe. Verhandlungsberichte der Erkrankungen der Zootiere 39, 17-21.

Richman L, Montali R, Hildebrandt T, Fickel J, Hayward G (1999): Une pathologie nouvellement identifieé chez l'elephant associeé à des herpesvirus endotheliotropes. Virologie 3, 483-485.

Fickel J, Pitra C, Joest BA, Hofmann RR (1999): A novel method to evaluate the relative tannin-binding capacities of salivary proteins. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology C 122, 225-229.

Wagener A, Blottner S, Einspanier R, Fickel J (1999): Testicular growth factor expression in seasonal and non-seasonal ruminants. Reproduction in Domestic Animals - Physiology, Pathology, Biotechnology, Eds. Rath, D. and Meinecke, B. Proceedings of the 32nd Conference on Physiologie and Pathologie of Reproduction and of the 24th Joint Meeting on Veterinary and Human Medicine 34(1), 18.

Göritz F, Hildebrandt TB, Broich A, Hermes R, Lengwinat T, Jewgenow K, Fickel J, Reinsch A, Wagener A, Lange A, Gilles M, Blottner S, Hofmann RR (1999): Experimental investigation in embryonic diapause and seasonality of spermatogenesis in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Proceedings of the European Roe deer Meeting, p. 7-10.

Richman LK, Montali RJ, Cambre RC, Schmitt D, Hardy D, Garber RL, Hildebrandt T, Fickel J, Schaftenaar W, Hayward GS (1999): Clinical and pathological aspects of a fatal herpesvirus disease in Asian (Elephas maximus) and African Elephants (Loxodonta africana). Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), October 9-14, Columbus, Ohio, USA, pp. 263-265.

Fickel J, Lieckfeld D, Pitra C (1999): Analysis of genetic diversity and structure in neighboring populations of the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, Pallas 1778). Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaften 45, 230-237.

Fickel J, Göritz F, Joest BA, Hildebrandt TB, Hofmann RR (1998): Analysis of parotid and mixed saliva in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, L.). Journal of Comperative Physiology B 168, 257-264.

Fickel J (1998): Identification of microsatellite structures in the DNA of European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus). Advances in Ethology 33, 131.

Fickel J (1998): Detection of DNA fragment length polymorphisms in different cervid species. Advances in Ethology 33, 132.

Czupalla O, Frölich K, Fickel J, Haas L (1998): Canine distemper in free-ranging carnivores in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Meeting of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) and the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS), May 21-24, 1998, Chester, United Kingdom, pp. 467-468.

Wagener A, Blottner S, Einspanier R, Fickel J (1998). Investigation of growth factors gene expression in the testis of ruminants. Advances in Ethology 33, 75

Gehrke J, Fickel J (1998): Investigation of tannin binding proteins in ruminant saliva. Advances in Etholoy 33, 101

Jewgenow K, Wegner I, Fickel J (1998): Sequential expression of zona pellucida proteins during folliculogenesis of domestic cats. In: Gametes: Development and Function. Eds. Lauria A, Gandolfi F, Enne G, Gianoroli L, Serano Symposia, 1998, Rom, p. 550.

Wagener A, Fickel J, Gehrke J, Einspanier R, Jewgenow K (1998): Bovine oocyte quality in relation to follicular wall apoptosis and expression of growth factors - preliminary results. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 72a (suppl. 22), p. 28.

Fickel J, Bagnol D, Watson S, Akil H (1997): Opioid receptor expression in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat: A quantitative study with comparison to the brain. Molecular Brain Research 46, 1-8.

Fickel J, Bagnol D and Akil H (1996): Opioid receptor gene expression (µ,() in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat. Neuroforum 2, 80.

Putscher I, Haber H, Winkler A, Fickel J, Melzig MF (1996): Effects of the endogenous alkaloids Salsolinol and Tetrahydropapaveroline on the POMC system of the anterior pituitary cells. Neuroforum 2, 132

Winkler A, Roske I, Furkert J, Fickel J, Melzig MF (1995): Effects of voluntary ethanol ingestion on the POMC gene expression in the rat pituitary and on the plasma ß-endorphin content. Alcohol & Alcoholism 30, 231-238.

C.Pitra, W.J.Streich, A.Reinsch, Fickel J, W.Mann (1995): The Population of the Somali Wilddonkey (Equus africanus somalicus Sclater) under human care: demographic and genetic aspects. Zoologischer Garten N.F. 65, 245-257.

Winkler A, Papsdorf G, Odarjuk J, Siems W-E, Fickel J, Melzig MF (1995): Expression and characterization of the substance P (NK1) receptor in the rat pituitary and AtT20 mouse pituitary tumor cells. European Journal of Pharmacology 291(1), 51-55.

Putscher I, Haber H, Winkler A, Fickel J, Melzig MF (1995). Effects of S(-)- and R(+)-salsolinol on the POMC gene expression and ACTH release of an anterior pituitary cell line. Alcohol 12:447-452.

Fickel J, Savoly S, Vogel U, Furkert J, Melzig M (1994): The proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression of AtT20 mouse pituitary cells is dependent on cell culture condidions. Cellular and Molecular Biology 40, 201-209.

Winkler A, Fickel J, M.Melzig (1994): Efficient removal of hybridization signal from RNA dot blots probed with digoxygenin labeled cRNA. BioTechniques 16(1), 61-62.

Fickel J, Papsdorf G, Putscher I, Winkler A, Melzig M (1994): Compensation of CRH induced ACTH secretion by Substance P (SP) in AtT20 mouse pituitary tumor cells cultivated in vitro under serum-reduced conditions. Regulatory Peptides, S117-S118.

Fickel J, G.Xie, R.C.Thompson, S.Watson, Akil H (1994). Isolation of potential candidates for guinea pig opioid receptors. Regulatory Peptides 54, 93-94.

Melzig MF, Fickel J, S.Savoly, U.Vogel, J.Zipper (1993). Properties of AtT20 cells in serum-reduced medium. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology-Animal 29A (6), 439-442.

Haber H, Putscher I, Fickel J, Schuemann M, Melzig M (1993): Easy preparation of R- and S-Salsolinol of high optical purity. Pharmazie 48, 700-703.

Winkler A, Fickel J, Roske I, Melzig M (1994): Effects of chronic ethanol treatment on the POMC mRNA synthesis in the rat pituitary. Regulatory Peptides, S231-S232 (suppl. 1).

Putscher I, Fickel J, Winkler A, M.Melzig (1994). The Influence of S-(-)Salsolinol treatment on the POMC gene expression in mouse pituitary tumor cells. Regulatory Peptides, S143-S144 (suppl.1).

Putscher I, Haber H, Fickel J, Winkler A, Melzig MF (1994): Cytotoxicity and specific effects of tetrahydroisochinolones on the endocrine cell line AtT20. Cell Biology 18(5), 500.

Roske I, Fickel J, Winkler A (1993): Chronic influence of social-isolation and alcohol ingestion on the expression of POMC-gene in the pituitary of rats. Journal of Neurochemistry 61 (suppl. S), S36

Fickel J, Bode R (1992): Isolation and characterization of the ILV1 (threonine dehydratase) gene of the imperfect yeast Candida maltosa. Yeast 264, 694.

Book chapter:

Jörns Fickel (2003). Molekularbiologie und Phylogenie von Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778 - und anderen europäischen Lepus-Arten. In: Handbuch der Säugetiere Band 3/II: Hasentiere Lagomorpha (ed. Krapp F.), Aula-Verlag, Wiebelsheim, Germany.