Research Group 2: Evolutionary Genetics

Main research projects and goals: Evolutionary Genetics (RG 2)

Population- and Conservation Genetics

Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy

Molecular Evolution

Molecular Diagnostics

Biomathematics

Population- and Conservation Genetics

Phylogeographical differentiation of subpopulations of the sable antelope (Hippotragus niger sp.) in east Africa (more)

The objectives of our study were to identify phylogenetic and geographical relationships among sable populations, to infer multiple processes responsible for observed genetic differentiation, and to trace historical outbreeding events within the species.

Employer/partners:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Naturschutz und Anrainerförderung Saadani, Dr. R. Baldus, Dr. L. Siege
Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) Wildlife Genetics Program
Department of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, University of Copenhagen,  Denmark,  Prof. P. Arctander, Dr. A. J. Hansen
We would like to thank The Wildlife Authorities in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia for permissions to collect samples.

Conservation genetics of the houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata)

The houbara bustard is a desert-adapted avian species patchily distributed across the arid zones of the Northern Hemisphere. The houbara bustard is the prime quarry for traditional Arab falconry with diametrical consequences: steady decline in numbers during the 20th century, mainly due to over-hunting  and poaching on one hand, and extensive conservation efforts, including ecological research, captive-breeding and reintroduction/restocking programmes as well as habitat protection on the other. We conducted a geographically widespread survey on the variability at mitochondrial and microsatellite loci among and within eleven local populations of the Macqueen´s bustard to address issues of phylogeography and population history of this species. Results from population genetic analyses of these data are used to draw inferences on past demographic processes, and to provide conservation relevant insights.

Auftraggeber/Partner:
National Avian Research Center, Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency, United Arab Emirates,  Dr. Marie-Ann D´Aloia,  Dr. Olivier Combreau
For providing tissue samples we thank J.C. Alonso, E.C. Vidal, A. Martin, G. Diaz, J. L. Rodriguez and J. C. Cillera from Spain, H. Litzbarski from Germany, M. Yiqing and T. Xiuhua from China, S. Chan from Japan, S. Hemon from Saudi Arabia, and F. Launay and X. Eichaker from the United Arab Emirates.

Genetic structure and dispersal in great bustard (Otis tarda) : A micro-evolutionary perspective from the Madrid region

We found significant sex differences in the mtDNA genetic structure and dispersal patterns of great bustards in a population of 11 breeding groups, 'leks', in central Spain. The results from genetic analyses were concordant with those from a radiotracking study on natal dispersal. The frequency of movement of a female between two leks was positively correlated with their genetic affinity and geographical proximity. In males, the frequency of movement was correlated with geographical proximity but not with genetic affinity. Males dispersed among genetically unrelated leks, contributing to keep genetic diversity in the population, whereas females tended to be philopatric.

Employer/partners:
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (PI265/2-1) and by the Spanish-German cooperative project HA97-0046.
Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales,  Madrid, Spain, Dr. C. Martin and Dr. J. Alonso.

Evolution of genetic structures in metapopulations (more)

The animal model used to investigate respective questions is the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus). Based on data from numerous populations across Europe we measure genetic variability, gene flow, potential gender bias and others. Besides testing the hypothesis according to which genetic causes such as high inbreeding and thus decreased fitness might be responsible for the considerable decline in European brown hare population abundance over the last decades, we are also interested in hybridisation/introgression events and in how the present genetic structure of hares has evolved (e.g. cladogenesis, postglacial colonisation of Europe).

Cooperation with:

Heidi Hauffe, Centro di Ecologia Alpina, 38040 Viote del Monte Bondone (TN), Italy
Carl-Gustav Thulin, University Uppsala, Sweden
Ljiljana Vapa, Institute for Biology and Ecology, Novi Sad (Serbia/Montenegro)
Ramón Soriguer, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Spain

Publications:
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). Z. JAGDWISS. 45, 230-237. Fickel J (2003): Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778 - GENETIK. Kapitel in: Handbuch der Säugetiere, Band 3/II (Leporidae), im Druck. J.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. F.Krapp), Aula-Verlag Wiebelsheim, p. 27-34.
J.Fickel, A.Schmidt, M.Putze, H.Spittler, A.Ludwig, W.J.Streich, Ch.Pitra (2005). Genetic structure of populations of European brown hare: implications for management. J. Wildlife Management, 69:760-771.

Phylogeographic break in Europe´s great bustard

The great bustard is a grassland species that has changed its habitat use from the primeval dry grass steppes to open agricultural land. Thus, the species probably reached its maximum range and largest total population in Europe during the 18th century. In recent decades, great bustards have been affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and human persecution. We tested the null hypothesis that the morphologically monotypic great bustards comprise a single homogenous population by examining whether the distributions of sequence variation in mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA at the last breeding sites in Europe (Spain, Russia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany) are similar.

Employer/partners:

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (PI265/2-1) and by the Spanish-German cooperative project HA97-0046.
Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales,  Madrid, Spain, Dr. J. Alonso.
We thank H. Litzbarski (Germany), J. Hellmich (Cáceres, Spain), I. Krupé (Hungary), J. Chavko (Slovakia) and A. V. Chrustov (Russia) for samples.

Genetic structure and gene flow in the South-Russia populations of the great bustard (more)

Employer/partners:
Die Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt;
Trappenförderverein e.V., Dr. H. Litzbarski and H. Watzke

Publikation:
Pitra C, Watzke H, Lieckfeldt D, Litzbarski H: Conservation genetics of great bustards in the Ponto-Caspian steppes (Ukraine and the Lower Volga basin). Bustard Studies (2003), accepted

Genetic structure and geographical origin of the sika deer in Germany

This ongoing project aims to trace the history of  introduction and  to examine the present genetic status of an alien species in Germany.

Employer/partners:
LÖBF NRW Forschungsstelle für Jagdkunde und Wildschadenverhütung, Wildlife Research Institute, Dr. Walburga Lutz

Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution of the Bustards (more)

One aim of this study is to clarify bustard phylogeny in problematic areas that are relevant to the fields of taxonomy and conservation genetics. A second rationale for this study is to reconstruct the historical biogeography of the Otididae on the basis of the inferred phylogenetic hypothesis, particularly their previously postulated origin and diversification in sub-Saharan Africa.

Employer/partners:
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; Museum of Natural History, Institute of Systematic Zoology, Berlin, Germany, Dr. S. Frahnert
Drs.  M. Morales, C.A. Martin, J.C. Alonso, E.C. Vidal, A. Martin, G. Diaz, J. L. Rodriguez and J. C. Cillera from Spain
B. Stephan, J. Fiebig, and G. Meyer from Germany
L. Siege and R. Baldus from Tanzania
M. Yiqing and T. Xiuhua from China
S. Chan from Japan
S. Hemon from Saudi Arabia
M.-A. D'Aloia, and F. Launay from the United Arab Emirates.

Testing the "Ceratomorpha" Hypothesis

Traditionally the extant Perissodactyla are classified into the suborder Hippomorpha, which includes the horses, asses and zebras (superfamily Equoidea) and the suborder Ceratomorpha, which includes the rhinoceroses (superfamily Rhinocerotoidea) and the tapirs (superfamily Tapiroidea) (for discussion and references see Prothero and Schoch 1989. A major suggestion is that, in the preceding scheme, the tapiroids and rhinocerotoids are regarded as being closely related to each other relative to hippomorphs. In this study, we report the complete sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b)gene for the Brazilian or lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris, and the Indian tapir Tapirus indicus, which represent the tapirid clade within the perissodactyl phylogenetic tree. On the basis of this improved perissodactyl representation we examine the molecular relationship among the Tapiridea, Rhinocerotidea, and Equidae.

Molecular Evolution

Evolution und Phylogenie der Altwelt-Hirsche (Cervinae) (mehr)

The Old World deer fulfill important ecological functions within the Eurasian faunal community. Their inter-species relationships, however, have been controversially discussed for many years. Therefore, we aimed to construct a molecular phylogeny as the foundation for an evolution-based systematics of this taxonomic group.

Cooperation with:
School of Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia, Dr. Erik Meijaard
School of Archaeology & Anthropology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, Prof. Colin P. Groves

Molecular Evolution of the Hanta Virus

This review briefly summarises the recent knowledge about hantavirus infections and raises particular problems in hantavirus research that need further investigation. The following questions are addressed: (i) are hantaviruses distributed worldwide and what leads to new outbreaks, (ii) what is known about hantavirus evolution, (iii) how can hantavirus species be defined, (iv) what are the determinants of hantavirus pathogenesis in humans, and (v) what problems are associated with the development of new vaccines and antiviral therapeutics.

Employer/partners:
Institute of Virology, Humboldt University, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany, Dr. R. Ulrich and Prof. D. H. Krüger

Evolution of adaptations

Evolution of adaptations is being investigated on the level of gene expression. Research is focused on two main issues. First on genes, whose expression is regulated seasonally dependent. One of the questions is whether and if yes how in seasonally reproducing species testicular growth factors are regulated (more), and how the expression of hormone receptors influences sperm formation. Second on genes, whose products are directly involved in the interaction with the environment, e.g. expression of salivary proline-rich proteins to detoxify plant secondary metabolites such as tannins (more).

Cooperation with:

Steffen Blottner, IZW Berlin (DFG-Projekt)
Katarina Jewgenow, IZW Berlin
Katrin Neubauer, IZW Berlin
Frank Göritz, IZW Berlin
Gottfried Hohmann, MPI für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Leipzig
Marcus Clauss, Institut für Veterinärmedizin, Universität Zürich

Publications:

S.Blottner, A.Wagener, J.Schön, F.Göritz, J.Fickel (2006). Reproductive fitness in roe bucks (Capreolus capreolus): seasonal timing of testis function. EUROPEAN JOURNAL FOR WILDLIFE RESEARCH, 52:9-13.

A.Wagener, J.Fickel, J.Schön, A.Fritzenkötter, F.Göritz, S.Blottner (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.

A.Wagener, S.Blottner, F.Göritz, W.J. Streich, J.Fickel (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(2):95-102.

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

K.Jewgenow, F.Göritz, K.Neubauer, J.Fickel, SV.Naidenko (2006) Characterization of reproductive activity in captive male Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). EUROPEAN JOURNAL FOR WILDLIFE RESEARCH, 52:34-38.

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

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

K.Neubauer, K.Jewgenow, J.Fickel (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.

F.Göritz, K.Neubauer, S.Naidenko, J.Fickel, K.Jewgenow (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.

K.Neubauer, K.Jewgenow, B.S.Pukazhenthi, J.Fickel (2004). Lack of evidence for FSHR gene variation between normo- and teratospermic domestic cats (Felis catus). WIEN TIERÄRZTLICHE MONATSSCHRIFT 91 (Suppl. 2): 46.

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

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

Selection of viral domains (Evolution of pathogens in zoo and wild animals)

Being successful in conflicts with pathogens is an important factor in any species life history. Research in this area covers both evolutionary aspects of host-pathogen interactions (e.g. selective pressures) and the detection of potential transmission pathways and ~directions. Currently research is focused on the endotheliotropic elephant herpes virus (EEHV) (more).

Cooperation with:
Thomas Hildebrandt, IZW
Frank Göritz, IZW
Catherine Reid, IZW
Willem Schaftenaar, Zoo Rotterdam, Niederlande

Publications:

C.E.Reid, T.B.Hildebrandt, N.Marx, M.Hunt, N.Thy, J.-M.Reynes, W.Schaftenaar, J.Fickel (2006). The first PCR-confirmed fatal endotheliotropic elephant herpes virus case in Asia. VETERINARY QUARTERLY, accepted

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

C.E.Reid, N.Marx, J.Fickel, F.Göritz, M.Hunt, N.Thy, J.-M.Reynes, W.Schaftenaar, T.B.Hildebrandt (2005). Endotheliotropic herpes in Asia: The impact on captive and wild Asian elephant populations. VERHANDLUNGSBERICHTE DER ERKRANKUNGEN DER ZOOTIERE 42:273.

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. VET. MICROBIOL. 91, 11-21.

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. VET. MICROBIOL. 82, 103-109.

Positive Darwinian Selection in STAT5A- and STAT5B-Encoding Genes

A comparison of the inter- and intragenic cDNA sequence preservation at nonsynonymous sites reveals that the DNA-binding domain is under the strongest selection pressure for both intergenic and factor-specific intragenic sequence preservation. The so-called ``SH3'' segment of the linker domain, in contrast, shows species-specific sequence identity in all but one amino acid residues in both factors, in cattle, human, and mouse. This indicates that the same species-specific selection pressure occurs on the linker domain from both factors, STAT5A and STAT 5B. Thus, the comparison of evolutionary selection pressures resting on various domains suggests that the DNA-binding domain might contribute to differential DNA binding of STAT5A and STAT5B factors, while both might interact equally well with other cellular factors through a segment of the linker domain.

Employer/partners:
Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, Dummerstorf, Germany, Prof. H.-M. Seyfert

Molecular Diagnostics

DNA-led rediscovery of a rare antelope (more)

Comparisons of mitochondrial DNA sequences derived from dung samples recently collected in the field and from old museum specimens of certain provenance provide the first documented evidence to date that giant sable antelope (Hippotragus niger variani) has survived.

Employer/partners:
Universidade Católica de Angola. Rua Nossa Senhora da Muxima 29 Luanda, Angola, Pedro VazPinto
The Shikar Club, Pelsall, Staffordshire, England, Brendan W.J. O´Keeffe
Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Prof. T.J. Robinson

Interferon Gene Evolution within Bovinae

This study aimed to identify interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) gene variants in cattle for diagnostic purposes. Therefore, the entire bovine IFN-gamma gene (BoIFNG) and 2605 bp of its promoter DNA were sequenced. The variants were detected by comparative sequence analysis of PCR amplicons from different bovine species. Four polymorphic mononucleotide repeats are situated in the promoter and in intron 1. Four distinct series of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were found in functionally important regions of BoIFNG. The detected SNPs improve the recently reported genotyping system of cattle.

Employer/partners:
Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, Dummerstorf, Germany, Dr. P. Schmidt.

Sex determination in cattle

A PCR-based method for sex determination of bovine DNA samples and embryo biopsies based on  only one primer pair for both the male-specific sequence FBNY (127 bp) and a sex-independent control PCR-fragment is presented. There was no amplification of the male-specific target sequence FBNY in sheep, pig, goat, mice, man, and several wild species of the tribe Bovini.

Employer/partners:
Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, Dummerstorf, Germany, Dr. R. Weikard

Sex determination in spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta)

Because female hyaena mimic the male in the possession of a peniform and highly erectile clitoris and a pseudoscrotum, the sexes cannot be reliably differentiated, particularly in younger animals. We therefore developed a simple molecular method for sexing in spotted hyaena.

Employer/partners:
Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals, Dummerstorf, Germany, Prof. M. Schwerin

Sex determination in great bustard (Otis tarda)

We describe a discriminant function that differentiates the sex of great bustards at the age of only few weeks. In addition, we present the nucleotide sequence of a part of the Z- and W-linked CHD gene for accurate molecular sexing using a polymerase chain reaction.

Employer/partners:
Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales,  Madrid, Spain, Dr. C. Martin and Dr. J. Alonso.

Sex determination in binturong (Arctitis binturong)

A male-specific RAPD fragment suitable for "sexing" procedure in binturong  has been identified.

Employer/partners:
Vivarium Darmstadt, Drs. H. Wilke und T. Becker

Biomathematics

Biomathematics in wildlife research projects]

Mathematical techniques are of increasing importance in biological research. Scientific journals require a thorough statistical evaluation of submitted data. Such development is noticeable in many papers and projects. As wildlife research deals with wild animals and rare species, ethical and feasibility reasons often allow only limited data acquisition and impair the planning of experiments in advance. Thus mathematical methods have to be fitted to these special conditions. The mathematical toolbox includes modelling and simulation, pattern recognition and statistical techniques. The tools are applied when experiments or observations are planned and when the results are analysed and published.

Publications 1998-2006

Population viability analysis for the endangered Great Bustard

A model for the short- and long-term abundance of Great Bustard populations has been established. This species is highly endangered in Germany. The analyses are based on data from the last remaining Great Bustard populations in Germany retrieved over a period of several years. The model is being refined using both current developments as well as data obtained from Great Bustard populations in Spain. Within the framework of the project "Protection of Great Bustards in the region Saratov, Russia" (launched by the Zoological Society Frankfurt/M., the "Great Bustard Protection" charity and the Environmental Safety Board of Brandenburg) the model is also used to analyse Great Bustard populations in Russia.

Displaying male Great Bustard (Photo: B. Litzbarski)

Employer/partners:
Zoological Society Frankfurt/M
Great Bustard Protection charity: H. Litzbarski, B. Litzbarski, H. Watzke
Environmental Safety Board of Brandenburg, National Bird Protection Station Buckow: A. Eisenberg, T. Langgemach

Selected Publications:

Streich WJ, Litzbarski H, Ludwig B, Ludwig S (2006): What triggers facultative winter migration of Great Bustard (Otis tarda) in Central Europe? Eur J Wildl Res 52, 48-53.

Streich WJ, Watzke H, Litzbarski H: Population Viability Analysis of the Great Bustard in the Saratov Region. Bustard Studies, in press.