Research

Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), 155.950 EUR

Project Details:
Abstract:
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious morbillivirus, which causes severe systemic disease with involvement of the respiratory tract in domestic and wildlife carnivores. Innate immune cells play a key role in the pathogenesis in a variety of viral respiratory diseases. However, the knowledge about pulmonary innate immunity in canine distemper is still fragmentary. The envisioned project is based on our previous work, in which it could be demonstrated that innate immune cells are able to carry CDV to facilitate cell-to-cell transmission in the respiratory tract and that restriction of antiviral signaling pathways of innate immune cells enhance virus release from the lung in canine distemper. The first part of the project aims at investigating the polarizing effect of CDV upon innate immune cells in vitro. Here the ability of CDV to influence the phenotype of pulmonary and blood-derived macrophages, and the maturation state of monocyte-derived dendritic cells will be analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, virus-mediated effects upon macrophages and dendritic cells will be characterized by whole transcriptome analyses and functional assays, including mixed leukocyte reaction, as well as migration, phagocytosis and nitric oxide release assays. In the second part, the impact of macrophage polarity and dendritic cell maturation upon CDV cell entry and the capacity of modulated innate immune cells to transmit CDV to the airway epithelium will be investigated using canine air-liquid interface cultures and precision-cut lung slices. In addition, virus-induced cytopathic effects and ultrastructural changes, such as ciliary pathology and apoptosis induction, as well as the regenerative capacity of infected cultures will be determined. The study will give mechanistic insights in the dysfunction of pulmonary innate immunity in CDV infection and its impact on disease pathogenesis. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms through which pathogens regulate innate immune cell plasticity will contribute to the discovery of therapeutic targets in morbillivirus diseases and prevention of virus transmission to other hosts.

Funding: DFG, 482.000 EUR

Project Details:
Streptococcus suis is a frequent colonizer of the upper respiratory tract of pigs, but can also cause severe systemic diseases like meningitis and septicemia. However, pathogenesis of S. suis infection and the role of its virulence-associated factors, namely the pore-forming toxin suilysin (SLY) and the D-alanine-D-alanyl carrier ligase (DltA), is still not fully understood. So far, it is known that SLY damages different host cells by lytic pore formation and induces an inflammatory response leading to the release of cytokines, especially by monocytes/macrophages, and the recruitment of neutrophils. D-alanylation of lipoteichoic acids in the cell wall by DltA is known to increase resistance against antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and phagocytosis of S. suis by neutrophils.
Our aim is to clarify the role of SLY and DltA in S. suis colonization of the porcine respiratory tract, systemic dissemination via the bloodstream, and invasion of the central nervous system. Thereby we will focus on their influence on innate immunity cells and the crosstalk between monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. We hypothesize that the host compartments influence the expression of sly and dltA differentially and that vice versa SLY and DltA influence the host’s innate immune response by modulating the crosstalk between neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages contributing to the resistance of. S. suis towards immune defense mechanisms.
To investigate this, we will use complex in vitro cell culture systems that closely mimic the in vivo situation of the three main host compartments: a co-culture system of primary respiratory epithelial cells differentiated under air-liquid interface conditions and alveolar macrophages, porcine precision-cut lung slices, a reconstituted whole blood model, and the blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier model. Infection experiments will be performed with S. suis serotype 2 wild-type strain (wt), its isogenic mutants Δsly, ΔdltA, and ΔdltAΔsly as well as the respective complemented mutant strains.
We will start with the analysis of sly and dltA expression in the three compartments by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, followed by the investigation of the neutrophil and the monocyte/macrophage response towards S. suis wt and sly- and dltA-deficient mutants. We will focus on the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, reactive oxygen species production, phagocytic activity, and the release of certain cytokines and AMPs. Finally, we will investigate how secretions from monocytes/macrophages induced by S. suis infection influence neutrophils regarding their transmigration, inflammatory response, and phagocytic capacity, and vice versa.
The detailed investigation of the innate immune response towards S. suis infection in the three different compartments will help to better understand the switch of S. suis as a colonizer to an invasive pathogen, and how SLY and DltA are involved in this process.

Cooperation Partners:

Dr. Sophie Öhlmann (Institut für Bakteriologie und Mykologie, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät, Universität Leipzig)

Funding: DBU, CULT-Stiftung, 81.550 EUR

Project Details:
This project serves the long-term purpose of protecting the species of the yellow-bellied toad, Bombina variegata, which is highly endangered in Germany and Central Europe. In many areas, the yellow-bellied toad only occurs in secondary, i.e. anthropogenically modified, habitats such as quarries. The populations are often isolated, too small, and suffer from inbreeding and genetic impoverishment. Previous studies have also shown that yellow-bellied toads use different life cycle strategies in different habitats. These differences suggest that the species has adapted to local ecological conditions, and these adaptations are potentially manifested in the genome. The project aims to improve the genetic and ecological information available about the species in order to make practical conservation more effective. For this purpose, DNA samples from German, French and Swiss yellow-bellied toad populations, which have already been sampled in previous projects, are examined using genomic methods (RADSeq). In addition, toads in Germany will be sampled in the few natural habitats where they still occur. The genomic results are then correlated with ecological data (habitat type, local climate). The results provide evidence as to whether yellow-bellied toads are adapted to their local habitat (anthropogenic vs. natural) or to their local climate at the molecular level. The aim is to identify specific candidate genes that mediate this local adaptation. Furthermore, species distribution models based on climatic data should show where suitable habitats are for the yellow-bellied toad today and in the future - also with a view on climate change. The results obtained will be discussed with scientists and species protection specialists in a workshop. In follow-up projects, so-called genetic rescue will be used for small, isolated occurrences to stabilize them, and larger populations will be genetically upgraded. Genetic rescue projects based on genomic information are innovative since so far they have been successfully implemented in species protection in only a few countries.

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Jean-Paul Léna, Dr. Hugo Cayuela, Benjamin Monod-Broca, University of Lyon;

Dr. Mirjam Nadjafzadeh, NABU Niedersachsen; Fabian Droppelmann, Chance 7

Funding: Landesbetrieb für Küstenschutz, Nationalpark und Meeresschutz Schleswig-Holstein, 49.580 EUR

Project Details:
The ITAW has been conducting research on marine mammals for more than 30 years and, with over 50 employees at the institute in Büsum, has sufficient highly qualified professionels on hand. The aim of the scientists is to investigate the ecology and physiology of marine mammals and to assess the impacts of humans on the animals, their health and their population.
In the project "Monitoring of marine mammal strandings", all reporting forms completed by the seal hunters are digitized and transferred to a database. This reporting forms are filled in by the seal hunters of Schleswig-Holstein for every stranded marine mammal, both for stranded sick or dead animals, and contain information on stranding date, location, species and condition of the animal/carcass. This data is summarized and evaluated annually in order to investigate trends in stranding numbers for the three resident marine mammal species and to assess the possible causes for the stranding. Furthermore, the data is regularly cross-referenced with the data from the cases investigated at the ITAW. This enables a more comprehensive and objective assessment of the situation of the native marine mammal population. In addition, more complex scientific evaluations can be carried out than before and the resulting findings can be used directly by the responsible authorities for the further development of existing management plans.

Funding: Volkswagenstiftung, 657.600 EUR

Project Details:
Eine potentiell flächendeckende Wiedervernässung der Moore zwecks Revitalisierung und CO2-Speicherung führt über die extensive Nutzung zum Anfall ligninreicher Primärbiomasse, die nicht effizient für die klassische Tierhaltung nutzbar ist. Diese Biomasse kann bisher maximal energetischen Zwecken dienen, was aber in Zukunft im Sinne einer ehrgeizigen Energiewende und Kreislaufwirtschaft nicht mehr zielführend ist. Im Rahmen diese Projektes soll die Lignozellulosestruktur der organischen Rohstoffe technisch durch Vorbehandlungen aufgebrochen werden und die dann insgesamt besser verdauliche Biomasse anschließend für eine dezentrale Insektenproduktion genutzt werden. Modellhaft sollen Standard-Insektenlarven (schwarze Soldatenfliege) und Spezialitäten (Mehlwurm, Grillen etc.) aufgezogen werden. So sollen skalierbar hochwertige Rohstoffe für die Heimtierernährung oder perspektivisch neuartige Lebensmittel produziert werden.

Cooperation Partners:

Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik e.V., Quakenbrück

Dr. Kashif ur Rehman

Funding: Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz, 699.195 EUR

Project Details:
The grey partridge (Perdix perdix L.) was once a common, ubiquitous game bird in Germany's agricultural landscapes and of great hunting importance in small game reserves. With the modernization and intensification of agriculture in Germany and the accompanying changes in landscape structure, the population densities of the grey partridge have fallen sharply throughout Germany, often by more than 90 % in large areas of its range. The dramatic nature of the decline, particularly in recent decades, has led to a focus on investigations into the causes of the decline and the resulting findings have been incorporated into corresponding nature and species conservation concepts for the preservation of existing populations, particularly for habitat enhancement and reintroduction.
The project's research concept ties in with the project "Lebensraum Feldflur Niedersachsen (LVFN)" initiated by the Landesjägerschaft Niedersachsen e.V. (LJN) in spring 2019, which also supports the reintroduction of partridges, among other things. The aim of the project is to scientifically evaluate the reintroduction of partridges using a holistic approach. The holistic approach is to be achieved by working on various work modules, such as the establishment of a monitoring system with standardized recording methods in the reintroduction areas, the evaluation of the influence of predation, the genetic and hygienic aspects of animals to be released into the wild, and the recording of survival and reproduction successes. The knowledge gained from this can contribute to the improvement of reintroduction measures.

Funding: DAAD, 24.705 EUR

Project Details:
Aposematism and crypsis are contrasting antipredator strategies. In the color polymorphic Oophaga pumilio, phylogenetic analyses have shown that populations with cryptic and aposematic coloration might have evolved independently in different islands. Two other species, O. granulifera and O. vicentei also display cryptic and aposematic color morphs in geographically isolated populations. Particularly, phylogenetic analyses of the evolution of these contrasting antipredator strategies can improve our understanding on the evolution of polymorphism in aposematic species. This project aims to uncover the molecular signatures of selection present in the genes of three Oophaga species that experienced independently evolved cryptic and aposematic phenotypes. To this effect, we look forward to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of the genus and quantify the variation in gene expression and allelic frequencies using state-of-the-art methods.

Results:

Cajigas Gandia A, Rodríguez A, Mantzana Oikonomaki V, Pröhl H (2024) Genomic signatures of selection for aposematism and crypsis in Oophaga poison frogs. Poster. EMBO Early Career Lecture Course "Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics" Nafplion, Greece

Cooperation Partners:

Dr. Evan Towney, Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Biologicum

Project Details:
The pathogenesis of osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is considered to be multifactorial in horses. A primary traumatic and ischemic-necrotic etiology have been discussed until now. The aim of the current study is to describe the nature of pathological bone structures in comparison to normal control tissue by a multiscale examination of osteochondral fragments. With the help of a hierarchical examination, further pathomechanisms are to be identified and potential etiologic factors further decribed.

Results:

Leuffert, S., Cardinaux, E., von Brackel, F., Amling, M., Geburek, F. Osteochondrale Fragmente in der Fesselgelenksregion - eine kontrollierte histomorphologische Studie. In: Tagungsband des DVG-Vet-Congress 2024 - 7. Internationaler Kongress zur Pferdemedizin / Tagung der DVG-Fachgruppe Pferdekrankheiten, 1.- 2. November 2024, Berlin, Verlag der DVG Service GmbH, Gießen, ISBN 978-3-86345-736-5, S. 49-52

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. M. Amling, Dr. F. von Brackel, Universitätsklinik Hamburg - Eppendorf, Institut für Osteologie und Biomechanik (IOBM)

Funding: CEPI via Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 1.012.106 EUR

Project Details:
A Phase I/IIa clinical trial under endemic conditions (in East African countries Uganda and Kenya) to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a rationally designed live-attenuated Rift Valley fever virus vaccine in a relevant target population.

Funding: BLE, 443.163 EUR

Project Details:
The objective of the project is to assess the potential of the organic rearing system for dual-purpose chicken breeds under the aspects of a resource-efficient optimized feeding and animal welfare.
The focus is on the integration of two different insect species (Acheta domesticus/n.n.) and macroalgae (Palmaria palmata/n.n.) into the feeding regimes of currently used breeds in organic farming.

Cooperation Partners:

Oekologische Tierzucht gGmbH

Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut

Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde

Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e. V.

Bioland Beratung GmbH