Research

Project Details:
Mouse lemurs are the smallest primates on earth. They are endemic to Madagascar, where they are increasingly endangered by anthropogenically caused habitat degradation. Mouse lemurs are unique primate models for evolutionary, aging and genomic research. They exhibit extraordinary species diversity with limited vs. broad ranges in the Malagasy tropical forests. They have a long longevity related to body size (up to 15 years in the laboratory, about 9 years in the field) which is, however, much shorter than for common anthropoid primate models. Furthermore, some, but not all, aging individuals develop an AD-like pathology as found in Alzheimer patients or show human-like aging-related diseases such as cancer or ocular pathologies (e.g. cataracts). Likewise mouse lemurs are one of the primate models, for which the full genome is published. In 1985, Elke Zimmermann founded the colony of gray mouse lemurs of the Institute of Zoology (IfZ), by two founder pairs coming from the University of Tübingen (Jörg Ganzhorn). Founder pairs stem from the Rotterdam Zoo and were tracked back to their origin in south-eastern Madagascar (Mandena). To increase the genetic diversity of the colony, the offspring of these founders (originally based at the University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim, moving later on to the University of Constance, the German Primate Centre and finally completely to the Institute of Zoology at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover) were cross-bred with mouse lemurs coming from the Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherlands, in 1993 and the Parc Zoologique de Vincennes, France, in 1996. The colony is a self-sustaining breeding colony for which the life history of each individual mouse lemur is documented from birth to death in a mouse lemur database. Tissues from these individually known mouse lemurs are collected for veterinary purposes, or after the natural death of an animal. This colony of mouse lemurs is registered in the European and International Studbook of the Cheirogaleidae. Animals are used for non-invasive integrative and comparative research in the field of behaviour, physiology, reproduction, sensory biology, communication, cognition, genetics/genomics, aging, conservation biology and veterinary medicine. Furthermore, they are used for comparative research projects that are conducted together with several academic institutions studying the effect of different factors (e.g. general maintenance conditions, different photoperiod regimes, enrichment, group composition, genetic lineages) on the physiology, behaviour, communication, cognition, reproduction, longevity and health status of the colonies.

Results:

e.g.

The Tabula Microcebus Consortium*; Ezran, C.; Liu, S.; Chang, S.; Ming, J.; Botvinnik, O.; Penland, L.; Tarashansky, A.; de Morree, A.; Travaglini, K.J.; Zhao, J.; Wang, G.; Hasegawa, K.; Sin, H.; Sit, R.; Okamoto, J.; Sinha, R.; Zhang, Y.; Karanewsky, C.J.; Pendleton, J.L.; Morri, M.; Perret, M.; Aujard, F.; Stryer, L.; Artandi, S.; Fuller, M.; Weissman, I.L.; Rando, T.A.; Ferrell Jr., J.E.; Wang, B.; De Vlaminck, I.; Yang, C.; Casey, K.M.; Albertelli, M.A.; Pisco, A.O.; Karkanias, J.; Neff, N.; Wu, A.R.; Quake, S.R.; Krasnow, M.A. (2025): Tabula Microcebus: A molecular cell atlas of mouse lemur, an emerging model primate. Nature, 644:173-184. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09113-9. (* U.R. member of the Microcebus Consortium)

 

Ezran, C.; Liu, S.; Chang, S.; Ming, J.; Guethlein, L.A.; Wang, M.F.Z.; Dehghannasiri, R.; Olivieri, J.; Frank, H.K.; Tarashansky, A.; Koh, W.; Jing, Q.; Botvinnik, O.; Antony, J.; The Tabula Microcebus Consortium*; Oliveira Pisco, A.; Karkanias, J.; Yang, C.; Ferrell Jr., J.E.; Boyd, S.D.; Parham, P.; Long, J.Z.; Wang, B.; Salzman, J.; De Vlaminck, I.; Wu, A.; Quake, S.R.; Krasnow, M.A. (2025): Mouse lemur cell atlas informs primate genes, physiology, and disease. Mouse lemur cell atlas informs primate genes, physiology and disease. Nature, 644: 185-196. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09114-8. (* U.R. member of the Microcebus Consortium)

 

Wittkowski, J.*; Klein, A.*; Kollikowski, A.*; Scheumann, M.*; Schmidtke, D.*; Zimmermann, E.†*; Radespiel, U.* (2024): The mouse lemurs. In: The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory and Other Research Animals, 9th Edition. (H. Golledge, C. Richardson, eds.). John Wiley & Sons Ltd. (*: contributed equally to this chapter), pp. 662-682. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119555278.ch36.

 

Bleyer, M.; Radespiel, U.; Klein, A.; Kollikowski, A.; Ströbel, P.; Mätz-Rensing, K.; Gruber-Dujardin, E. (2024): Spontaneous soft tissue tumours in aged mouse lemurs. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 215, 47-54.

 

Fritz, R.; Zimmermann, E.; Meier, M.; Mestre-Francés, N.; Radespiel, U.; Schmidtke, D. (2020): Neurobiological substrates of animal personality and cognition in a nonhuman primate (Microcebus murinus). Brain and Behavior, e01752. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1752.

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Pees, Klinik für Heimtiere

Zoo Zürich, Schweiz; Zoo Frankfurt, Zoo Landau,

Zoo Vincennes, Frankreich; Zoo Pilsen, CZ

Prof. J.-M. Verdier, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris, Frankreich

Funding: TiHo interne RIU, 610.000 EUR

Project Details:
This project investigates how alterations in the gut microbiome and microbially derived metabolites influence neuronal excitability and disease progression in dogs with pharmacoresistant idiopathic epilepsy. Clinical data and faecal and blood samples will be collected before and after faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). By integrating microbiome, metabolome, behavioural, clinical and neuronal functional data, the project aims to develop an Epilepsy Dysbiosis Index (eDI). This index will capture disease-associated microbial and metabolic alterations and help predict which dogs are likely to respond to FMT. Candidate metabolites and patient-derived faecal supernatants will also be functionally tested on enteric and sensory neurons. Ultimately, the project aims to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for epilepsy.

Funding: MEKUN, 402.984 EUR

Project Details:
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a top predator native to Germany’s freshwater habitats and thus occupies a special position within aquatic ecosystems. As an indicator species for habitat degradation and threats to biodiversity, it plays a vital role in nature conservation and species protection. Historically, the 20th century saw a massive decline in populations, caused by habitat loss, environmental pollution and direct persecution. Thanks to targeted species and habitat conservation measures, populations in Western Europe, including Germany, have been able to recover.
However, the recovery of populations has been accompanied by a resurgence of conflicts over resource use. Otters are opportunistic hunters and are often perceived as competitors for food by the pond farming and inland fishing industries. Added to this is a significant risk posed by road traffic, which is one of the leading causes of death for otters in Germany. Against this backdrop, there is an increased need for concrete management measures.
In a previous project, the use of camera traps and faecal analyses provided insights into the habitat use, diet and reproductive potential of the Eurasian otter in Schleswig-Holstein. This baseline data demonstrates the species’ growing importance and highlights areas of conflict in various sectors; however, it is insufficient to conclusively assess the potential for conflict with fish farming and endangered fish species, or the risks posed by road crossings, nor to develop solution strategies that comply with species conservation requirements.
A key shortcoming is the current lack of individual-level, high-resolution data on habitat use and behaviour. Previous telemetry approaches have predominantly been invasive or associated with animal welfare risks arising from capture and anaesthesia. New non-invasive methods for attaching transmitters (e.g. fur adhesives or Velcro-based systems) have been tested internationally, but not yet in Germany or in the context of conflict assessment. Recent studies highlight possibilities for tagging wild animals in their natural habitat without capturing them, thereby enabling us to learn more about their natural behaviour.
Against this background, the proposed project addresses precisely these existing gaps in knowledge: through the development of non-invasive telemetry methods, individual-level data on habitat use, conflict use (fish ponds) and road crossings are to be collected for the first time. In parallel, the effectiveness of acoustic deterrent measures in fish farming will be investigated. The project will thus make a direct contribution to the development of practical management strategies that take into account both species conservation requirements and the needs of the fish farming industry.

Funding: Förderverein Bioökonomieforschung (FBF e.V.), 44.000 EUR

Project Details:
With the ongoing development of antibiotic‑free preservation methods for boar semen, the question arises whether these are also effective against leptospires. It should be noted that, to date, the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against leptospires in preserved semen has not been demonstrated in the available literature. The reason for this is that leptospires require special and prolonged cultivation methods.
Using the newly established assay, the growth of leptospires in long‑term preserved boar semen will be investigated. In particular, the influence of gentamicin and storage temperature will be assessed. Ultimately, the efficacy and necessity of antibiotics against leptospires will be evaluated.

Cooperation Partners:

IVD Gesellschaft für Innovative Veterinärdiagnostik mbH

Funding: Fritz-Ahrberg Stiftung, 25.000 EUR

Project Details:
The production of gluten-free sausages poses major challenges with respect to texture, flavor, and nutritional value when compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. In conventional formulations, gluten acts as a key binding agent, providing structure, elasticity, and overall product integrity. In gluten-free products, however, alternative binding systems are required. Commonly used starch-based fillers (e.g., corn starch or rice flour) often result in a sticky or brittle texture, altered flavor profiles, and suboptimal protein digestibility. Consequently, gluten-free sausages frequently exhibit poor mouthfeel, reduced juiciness, and lower protein bioavailability, negatively affecting both consumer acceptance and nutritional quality.
In recent years, the demand for gluten-free foods has increased dramatically. This growth is driven not only by individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, but also by a broader consumer segment that perceives gluten-free diets as a healthier alternative and therefore prefers such products. This rising demand has prompted food manufacturers to develop innovative gluten-free alternatives to traditional gluten-containing products such as bread, pasta, and processed meat products. However, reproducing the sensory and nutritional properties of gluten-containing foods—particularly sausages—remains a significant challenge. In this context, microbial enzymes can be employed as processing aids or food additives to more closely replicate the functional properties of gluten.
Microbial enzymes, particularly those derived from Bacillus spp., offer substantial advantages over fungal- and plant-based alternatives and are therefore highly suitable for industrial applications. They can be produced rapidly and at large scale via fermentation, ensuring cost efficiency and a stable supply. Moreover, these enzymes are generally highly thermostable, allowing them to remain functional during high-temperature processing steps such as those involved in sausage production. Owing to their cost-effectiveness, stability, and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, enzymes derived from Bacillus spp. represent a scalable and sustainable solution for food processing applications.
In this project, thermostable proteases and α-amylases from Bacillus spp. will be applied to address the challenges in gluten-free sausage production. Proteases will be used to hydrolyze meat proteins and to break down complex structures (e.g., collagen) into smaller, more digestible peptides and amino acids. This enzymatic process is expected to enhance texture by increasing tenderness, improve flavor through the release of taste-active amino acids, and increase nutritional value by improving protein bioavailability. Simultaneously, α-amylases will degrade excess starch from starch-based binding agents into simpler sugars, thereby improving the consistency of the sausage matrix and reducing stickiness and brittleness. In addition, the use of these enzymes represents a sustainable approach, as they are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Funding: Fritz-Ahrberg-Stiftung, 100.000 EUR

Project Details:
For meat processing companies, preventing Listeria spp. from entering the food chain remains a major challenge. The species Listeria (L.) monocytogenes in particular has a high pathogenic potential and is considered the main cause of listeriosis. While immunocompetent individuals are less likely to become infected and often develop no or only mild gastrointestinal symptoms after exposure to the pathogen, vulnerable groups, including newborns, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions, often become seriously ill. The disease may initially be accompanied by flu-like symptoms and manifest itself in various organs as a result of septicemic progression. This primarily leads to pathogen colonization in the brain (neurolisteriosis) or in the placenta (neonatal listeriosis) with corresponding pathological manifestations such as purulent meningoencephalitis, abortions, or neonatal sepsis. Depending on the individual constitution of the affected patients, the virulence of the strain, and the dose of pathogen ingested, infection with L. monocytogenes can therefore be associated with a high mortality rate. The microbial properties of Listeria spp. cause considerable difficulties in cleaning and disinfection, particularly for meat processing companies. These pathogens are largely undemanding, Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that can survive even in nutrient-poor substrates. Although the optimal ambient temperature for bacterial growth is 30 °C, Listeria spp. can multiply at regular refrigeration temperatures due to their psychrotolerant properties. In connection with operational controls, they are therefore often isolated from drains, gullies, or puddles of water. Such niches are often not given sufficient attention in the cleaning and disinfection measures commonly used, with the result that Listeria spp. can repeatedly enter the food chain from these sources. In many cases, the lack of decontamination success can be attributed to existing biofilms, which partially or completely prevent the chemicals used from being effective. If Listeria enter the final product, their facultative anaerobic metabolism enables them to survive storage periods in vacuum or protective gas packaging. Furthermore, pathogen proliferation cannot be ruled out unless it is prevented by certain key parameters such as temperature, pH value, or aw value of the product. Against this background, meat products that are consumed raw, such as Thüringer Mett or raw sausage, should be classified as high-risk foods and avoided by vulnerable groups. In the past, there have been isolated cases of death in connection with foodborne listeriosis, which have attracted considerable media attention. Furthermore, confirmed contamination with L. monocytogenes is always accompanied by product recalls or public recall campaigns. The economic damage caused by unsaleable goods, possible business interruptions, and the loss of reputation of the companies involved can be considerable. Effective strategies for targeted internal monitoring and successful cleaning and disinfection are therefore crucial for all food businesses in order to prevent Listeria spp. from entering the food chain. For this reason, the planned project aims to establish various decontamination strategies based on UV-C irradiation and the use of bacteriocins with bacteriophage depolymerases using a biofilm model, and to verify their effectiveness using a newly developed quantitative (q)PCR assay adapted for the detection of Listeria spp. in biofilms. Compared to standard cultural methods for the detection of Listeria spp., qPCR offers a considerable time advantage and can detect existing pathogens without pre-enrichment of the material to be examined, including sample preparation, within approximately 2 hours. As part of the planned project, the results of the qPCR and the measured decontamination success will be verified using an accompanying standard culture analysis. The aim of the investigations is to develop practical alternatives to conventional decontamination and to create a reliable measuring instrument for monitoring decontamination success and operational hygiene regarding Listeria spp.

Funding: Brigitte und Wolfram Gedek-Stiftung, 25.000 EUR

Project Details:
The research project aims to characterised moulds on various mould-ripened and non-mould-ripened plant-based cheese alternatives immediately after purchase. The plant-based cheese alternatives should then be stored under household conditions. They should be stored in direct contact with mould-ripened cheese on the one hand, but also without direct contact on the other. Here, too, the moulds that have grown are then characterised. In addition, the plant-based cheese alternatives are tested for mycotoxins using ELISA before and after storage.

Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), 496.785 EUR

Project Details:
Paratuberculosis - Johne’s disease - is a worldwide occurring, progressive, fatal enteritis of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The primary host tissue harboring MAP is the distal ileum, which is also the main site of zinc absorption of the host. MAP is equipped with a canonical ZnuABC zinc uptake transporter, which is also found in other mycobacterial pathogens, and two additional unique zinc uptake transporters located on the MAP-specific large sequence polymorphisms LSP14 and LSP15. Moreover, LSP14 harbors a putative zincophore gene cluster - sid - not found in other closely related or pathogenic mycobacteria, suggesting the presence of an additional zinc support system in MAP. We previously showed that this cluster is regulated zinc dependently by the Zinc uptake regulator Zur and encodes an NRPS (Non Ribosomal Peptide Synthetase), which is thought to synthesize a zincophore. In preliminary experiments, we detected for the first time a MAP zincophore candidate using metal isotope-coded profiling (MICP). Given the essential role of zinc and zincophores in bacterial survival and establishment of infection, it is of great importance to elucidate and fully understand the function of these systems in MAP zinc homeostasis and pathogenicity. The project aims to further identify, confirm and characterize MAP zincophores, to link the sid cluster to zincophore production, to elucidate of the role of sid in MAP zinc homeostasis and intracellular survival, and to investigate zincophore translocation systems. Our expected findings will contribute to the understanding of zinc homeostasis in MAP and other mycobacteria.

Cooperation Partners:

Dr. Thomas Wichard

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie

Lehrstuhl für Instrumentelle Analytik

Lessingstraße 8

07743 Jena

Funding: UBA, 156.832 EUR

Project Details:
Because they occupy the top of the food chain, apex predators such as birds of prey, otters, seals, and porpoises serve as useful indicators of pollutants in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. When combined with data from selected prey species (e.g., fish), data from chemical monitoring of top predators can provide useful quantitative information on the persistence and bioaccumulation of chemical substances throughout the food web. A number of these chemical substances are classified as persistent, mobile, or bioaccumulative and toxic substances (PMT, PBT substances), very persistent, very bioaccumulative, and very mobile substances (vPvB/vPvM substances), as well as endocrine disruptors (EDs).
The "Beyond Life Apex" project will investigate the contamination of food chains by top predators in order to determine the presence of substances and their co-exposure in Germany, as well as the potential adverse health effects of selected contaminants. The project will provide new insights into the exposure of organisms at various trophic levels, the degree of biomagnification in terrestrial and aquatic food chains, priority substances for further regulatory assessments, the adverse effects of chemical pollutants on top predators, and the causes of these effects. This project is being carried out as a collaboration between the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in Berlin, and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ) in Leipzig, and is funded by the Federal Environment Agency.

Cooperation Partners:

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung (UFZ)

Leibniz-Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung (IZW)

Project Details:
The aim of this project is the development and adaptation of AI-based methods for automated annotation and functional interpretation of single-cell sequencing data in mammals. The focus is on adapting transformer-based models to multi-species datasets from livestock and model organisms. By integrating single-cell transcriptomic data, robust models for cell type annotation, state classification, and regulatory effect prediction will be established. The developed approaches will be applied to tissues with growth-related processes to identify functional cell populations and regulatory patterns using AI. The objective is to provide scalable tools for comparative functional genomics at single-cell resolution in mammals.