Research groups within HoLMiR
The Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding (Prof. Dr. Jörn Bennewitz) works on the genetic dissection of quantitative traits in livestock species, mainly traits related to robustness, efficiency, and animal health and welfare. Furthermore, novel selection methods are developed to study the interplay of microbiome composition in the digestive tract with host genetics and other complex traits.
The Department of Livestock Microbial Ecology (Jun.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Amélia Camarinha Silva) works on the phylogenetic and functional characterization of the complex microbiome that colonizes the digestive tract. Scientists in the department use microbiome analysis based on culturing, metabolomic, and metagenomic approaches to understand the role of key organisms in general functions of the digestion processes and to identify microbial community shifts depending on host nutrition, genetics, and immunology.
The Department of Cellular Microbiology (Prof. Dr. Julia Fritz-Steuber) investigates bacterial metabolism, bacterial-host interactions, and responses of the innate immune system using different approaches and applying biochemical, structural, microbiological, and genetic techniques. Researchers focus on bacteria which thrive in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, which has led to two DFG collaborative projects with RG Seifert and RG Stefanski.
The Department of Livestock Population Genomics (Prof. Dr. Martin Hasselmann) characterizes adaptation processes to changing environmental conditions in the genome and microbiome of animals. To do so, scientists use high-throughput analyses of genome sequencing and gene expression measurements (BiomarkqPCR). The group investigates both evolutionary and population genetic processes and complements the research with in vitro and in vivo experiments to understand molecular functions and host-microbiome interactions.
The Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene (Prof. Dr. med. vet. Ludwig E. Hölzle) focuses on the pathobiology of highly specialized and strongly host-adapted bacteria and the resulting microbial properties (metabolism, pathogenicity mechanisms) and effects on the host animal (immune modulation, autoimmunity). For these analyses, various in vivo and in vitro models have been established. In addition, the department has extensive experience in classical and molecular diagnostics for the characterization and epidemiology of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi).
The Department of Functional Anatomy of Livestock (Prof. Dr. Korinna Huber) is particularly concerned with questions of metabolic regulation in growth, development, and performance in farm animals. Researchers investigate important regulators such as butyrate and biogenic amines derived from microbial metabolism. Metabolomic approaches are used to conduct important preliminary work particularly on the interactions between the microbiome and chronic inflammation in the host animal and the underlying mechanisms.
The Biostatistics Unit (Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Piepho) has developed statistical methods for analyzing and modeling genotype-environment interactions and methods for processing sequence, metabolome, and microarray data and their use for the prediction of breeding values. Another focus is on developing efficient experimental designs for complex experiments. In addition, the group makes use of a broad spectrum of biostatistical methods and provides excellent consulting and support services for biostatistical issues.
The Department of Animal Nutrition (Prof. Dr. Markus Rodehutscord) is dedicated to the understanding of the metabolism of proteins and phosphorus compounds in the digestive tract of animals. The group aims to contribute to animals being supplied according to their needs, non-renewable nutrient resources being saved, and undesired environmental effects being reduced. Special emphasis is put on the metabolism in the rumen of cattle and in the intestine of pigs and poultry. The group develops novel laboratory methods, in vitro procedures, and animal experimental approaches.
The Department of Functional Microbiology of Livestock (Prof. Dr. Jana Seifert) leads in the use of metaproteomics and metabolomics methods to study the intestinal microbiome in farm animals. The group was the first to publish the characterization of the active rumen microbiome using mass spectrometric protein analysis in combination with metabolomic data.
The Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock (Prof. Dr. Volker Stefanski) is doing important preliminary work on the effects of endogenous and exogenous environmental factors on the endocrine-immune network in mammals and the resulting consequences for animal immunocompetence and animal welfare. This preliminary work increasingly involves analyzing interactions between the host immune system and the microbiota.