Jaanus Remm
University of Tartu
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Featured researches published by Jaanus Remm.
Molecular Ecology | 2010
Egle Tammeleht; Jaanus Remm; Mark A. Korsten; John Davison; Igor L. Tumanov; Alexander P. Saveljev; Peep Männil; Ilpo Kojola; Urmas Saarma
Knowledge of population structure and genetic diversity and the spatio‐temporal demographic processes affecting populations is crucial for effective wildlife preservation, yet these factors are still poorly understood for organisms with large continuous ranges. Available population genetic data reveal that widespread mammals have for the most part only been carefully studied at the local population scale, which is insufficient for understanding population processes at larger scales. Here, we provide data on population structure, genetic diversity and gene flow in a brown bear population inhabiting the large territory of northwestern Eurasia. Analysis of 17 microsatellite loci indicated significant population substructure, consisting of four genetic groups. While three genetic clusters were confined to small geographical areas—located in Estonia, southern Finland and Leningrad oblast, Russia—the fourth cluster spanned a very large area broadly falling between northern Finland and the Arkhangelsk and Kirov oblasts of Russia. Thus, the data indicate a complex pattern where a fraction of the population exhibits large‐scale gene flow that is unparalleled by other wild mammals studied to date, while the remainder of the population appears to have been structured by a combination of demographic history and landscape barriers. These results based on nuclear data are generally in good agreement with evidence previously derived using mitochondrial markers, and taken together, these markers provide complementary information about female‐specific and population‐level processes. Moreover, this study conveys information about spatial processes occurring over multiple generations that cannot be readily gained using other approaches, e.g. telemetry.
Biological Reviews | 2017
Maris Hindrikson; Jaanus Remm; Malgorzata Pilot; Raquel Godinho; Astrid Vik Stronen; Laima Baltrūnaité; Sylwia D. Czarnomska; Jennifer A. Leonard; Ettore Randi; Carsten Nowak; Mikael Åkesson; José Vicente López-Bao; Francisco Álvares; Luis Llaneza; Jorge Echegaray; Carles Vilà; Janis Ozolins; Dainis Rungis; Jouni Aspi; Ladislav Paule; Tomaž Skrbinšek; Urmas Saarma
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is an iconic large carnivore that has increasingly been recognized as an apex predator with intrinsic value and a keystone species. However, wolves have also long represented a primary source of human–carnivore conflict, which has led to long‐term persecution of wolves, resulting in a significant decrease in their numbers, genetic diversity and gene flow between populations. For more effective protection and management of wolf populations in Europe, robust scientific evidence is crucial. This review serves as an analytical summary of the main findings from wolf population genetic studies in Europe, covering major studies from the ‘pre‐genomic era’ and the first insights of the ‘genomics era’. We analyse, summarize and discuss findings derived from analyses of three compartments of the mammalian genome with different inheritance modes: maternal (mitochondrial DNA), paternal (Y chromosome) and biparental [autosomal microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)]. To describe large‐scale trends and patterns of genetic variation in European wolf populations, we conducted a meta‐analysis based on the results of previous microsatellite studies and also included new data, covering all 19 European countries for which wolf genetic information is available: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Belarus, Russia, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Spain and Portugal. We compared different indices of genetic diversity in wolf populations and found a significant spatial trend in heterozygosity across Europe from south‐west (lowest genetic diversity) to north‐east (highest). The range of spatial autocorrelation calculated on the basis of three characteristics of genetic diversity was 650−850 km, suggesting that the genetic diversity of a given wolf population can be influenced by populations up to 850 km away. As an important outcome of this synthesis, we discuss the most pressing issues threatening wolf populations in Europe, highlight important gaps in current knowledge, suggest solutions to overcome these limitations, and provide recommendations for science‐based wolf conservation and management at regional and Europe‐wide scales.
Parasites & Vectors | 2015
Leidi Laurimaa; John Davison; Karmen Süld; Liivi Plumer; Ragne Oja; Epp Moks; Marju Keis; Maris Hindrikson; Liina Kinkar; Teivi Laurimäe; Jaana Abner; Jaanus Remm; Peeter Anijalg; Urmas Saarma
BackgroundEchinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis are tapeworm parasites of major medical and veterinary importance, causing cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, respectively. Both diseases are listed among the most severe parasitic diseases in humans, representing 2 of the 17 neglected diseases prioritised by the World Health Organisation. However, little is known about the role of urban animals in transmission of both parasite species.FindingsA sensitive non-invasive genetic method was used to monitor E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infection among dog faecal samples collected from an urban area in Estonia in 2012–13. Out of 181 dog faecal samples analysed, 2.2% tested positive for E. granulosus, determined by sequencing as genotype G1. None of the samples tested positive for E. multilocularis.ConclusionsWe report contamination of an urban environment with highly pathogenic E. granulosus G1 disseminated by dogs, and a potential risk to human health.
Acta Ornithologica | 2008
Jaanus Remm; Asko Lõhmus; Raul Rosenvald
Abstract. In addition to the well-known limiting effect of cavity abundance on the density of hole-nesting passerines, other aspects of cavity availability may shape their communities as well. Notably, where there is a considerable aggregation of cavities, territory-holders may prevent the occupation of the nearest cavities by other birds, whereas a supply of diverse cavities may reduce interspecific competition. We used multivariate general linear models to explore whether, and how, variables describing the supply of small cavities are related to the density and diversity of hole-nesting passerine communities in 33 hemiboreal old forest stands. The total density of 12 species (1.3 ± 0.8 pairs/ha) increased with cavity density and diversity, but was not affected by cavity aggregation. As expected, cavity diversity also promoted bird diversity; indeed, the densities of different species were positively related to the densities of different cavity types. The results indicate that segregation in nest-cavity selection affects the co-occurrence of passerine species and, at the mean densities of small tree-cavities in the region (2.3/ha), cavity aggregation does not markedly reduce their availability. In conservation management, therefore, it is important to maintain a diverse supply of cavities in addition to their abundance, in order to sustain hole-nester communities.
PLOS ONE | 2013
Maris Hindrikson; Jaanus Remm; Peep Männil; Janis Ozolins; Egle Tammeleht; Urmas Saarma
Spatial genetics is a relatively new field in wildlife and conservation biology that is becoming an essential tool for unravelling the complexities of animal population processes, and for designing effective strategies for conservation and management. Conceptual and methodological developments in this field are therefore critical. Here we present two novel methodological approaches that further the analytical possibilities of STRUCTURE and DResD. Using these approaches we analyse structure and migrations in a grey wolf ( Canis lupus ) population in north-eastern Europe. We genotyped 16 microsatellite loci in 166 individuals sampled from the wolf population in Estonia and Latvia that has been under strong and continuous hunting pressure for decades. Our analysis demonstrated that this relatively small wolf population is represented by four genetic groups. We also used a novel methodological approach that uses linear interpolation to statistically test the spatial separation of genetic groups. The new method, which is capable of using program STRUCTURE output, can be applied widely in population genetics to reveal both core areas and areas of low significance for genetic groups. We also used a recently developed spatially explicit individual-based method DResD, and applied it for the first time to microsatellite data, revealing a migration corridor and barriers, and several contact zones.
Insect Conservation and Diversity | 2015
Ly Lindman; Jaanus Remm; Kristiina Saksing; Virve Sõber; Erki Õunap; Toomas Tammaru
The aim of this study was to evaluate host plant and habitat preferences of Lycaena dispar, an oligophagous butterfly species endangered in some parts of its European range. In laboratory trials, the females of Estonian populations accepted various species of Rumex as oviposition substrates. Growth performance of the larvae did not differ between the hosts offered (only R. acetosa proved to be unsuitable). In the field, extensive use of the two most common host species – R. crispus and R. obtusifolius – by the Estonian populations of L. dispar was confirmed. Unlike in the laboratory, larval performance in the field was better on R. obtusifolius than R. crispus. A likely explanation is the more ephemeral character of the aboveground parts of R. crispus plants: these tend to wilt before the larvae of L. dispar have reached the stage adapted to hibernation. A countrywide analysis of landscape occupancy revealed a positive association of the occurrence of L. dispar with ditches and human settlement. We conclude that moderate anthropogenic pressure maintains suitable habitats for L. dispar through creating favourable conditions for R. obtusifolius, the primary host of the butterfly in the region. Due to its generalism in both host and habitat use, L. dispar is not in the need of active conservation measures on the current northern limit of its distribution. The favourable status of the species in Estonia is corroborated by its recent range expansion which parallels similar trends elsewhere in Eastern Europe.
Experimental Cell Research | 2014
Piret Laht; Maarja Otsus; Jaanus Remm; Andres Veske
Semaphorins and their receptors plexins are implicated in various processes in the nervous system, but how B-plexins regulate the growth of dendrites remains poorly characterized. We had previously observed that Plexin-B1 and B3 interact with microtubule end-binding proteins (EBs) that are central adapters at growing microtubule tips, and this interaction is involved in neurite growth. Therefore, we hypothesized that plexins regulate microtubule dynamics and through that also dendritogenesis. The role of all three B-plexins was systematically examined in these processes. B-plexins and their ligand Semaphorin-4D influence the dynamics of microtubule tips both EB-dependently and independendently. EB3 as well as Plexin-B1, B2 and B3 turned out to have a significant role in the development of dendritic arbor of rat hippocampal neurons. Our results clearly indicate that semaphorin-plexin-EB pathway is one molecular mechanism how extracellular guidance cues are translated into intracellular mechanics. Taken together, Semaphorin-4D and B-plexins modulate the dynamic behavior of microtubule tips, and are therefore important in neurite growth.
PLOS ONE | 2016
Liivi Plumer; Marju Keis; Jaanus Remm; Maris Hindrikson; Inga Jõgisalu; Peep Männil; Marko Kubarsepp; Urmas Saarma
After a long and deliberate persecution, the grey wolf (Canis lupus) is slowly recolonizing its former areas in Europe, and the genetic consequences of this process are of particular interest. Wolves, though present in mainland Estonia for a long time, have only recently started to recolonize the country’s two largest islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The main objective of this study was to analyse wolf population structure and processes in Estonia, with particular attention to the recolonization of islands. Fifteen microsatellite loci were genotyped for 185 individuals across Estonia. As a methodological novelty, all putative wolf-dog hybrids were identified and removed (n = 17) from the dataset beforehand to avoid interference of dog alleles in wolf population analysis. After the preliminary filtering, our final dataset comprised of 168 “pure” wolves. We recommend using hybrid-removal step as a standard precautionary procedure not only for wolf population studies, but also for other taxa prone to hybridization. STRUCTURE indicated four genetic groups in Estonia. Spatially explicit DResD analysis identified two areas, one of them on Saaremaa island and the other in southwestern Estonia, where neighbouring individuals were genetically more similar than expected from an isolation-by-distance null model. Three blending areas and two contrasting transition zones were identified in central Estonia, where the sampled individuals exhibited strong local differentiation over relatively short distance. Wolves on the largest Estonian islands are part of human-wildlife conflict due to livestock depredation. Negative public attitude, especially on Saaremaa where sheep herding is widespread, poses a significant threat for island wolves. To maintain the long-term viability of the wolf population on Estonian islands, not only wolf hunting quota should be targeted with extreme care, but effective measures should be applied to avoid inbreeding and minimize conflicts with local communities and stakeholders.
Methods in Ecology and Evolution | 2018
Julia Schregel; Jaanus Remm; Hans Geir Eiken; Jon E. Swenson; Urmas Saarma; Snorre B. Hagen
The fit of population genetic models can improve greatly when considering data on the appropriate spatial scale relative to the underlying processes (Keller, Holderegger, & van Strien, 2013). To obtain reliable estimates of population processes, the spatial extent to which they occur should be determined. Moreover, the importance of multiple mechanisms underlying population genetic patterns are often scaledependent (Fontanillas, Petit, & Perrin, 2004; Vuilleumier & Fontanillas, 2007; Yannic, Basset, Buchi, Hausser, Received: 18 December 2017 | Accepted: 22 January 2018 DOI: 10.1111/2041-210X.12980
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases | 2017
Kairi Värv; Anna Ivanova; Julia Geller; Jaanus Remm; Kertu Jaik; Nina V. Tikunova; Vera A. Rar; Åke Lundkvist; Irina Golovljova
Correct identification of tick species is an essential requirement for any scientific study engaged in tick-associated research. However, morphological identification can lead to misinterpretations, especially when dealing with vector-host research and sub-adult, engorged or damaged specimens. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel assay to discriminate between Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus and I. trianguliceps species collected from rodents or vegetation, using the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) as a genetic marker. This single tube multiplex PCR allows specific amplification of targeted species and produces rapid and accurate results. The specificity was confirmed by sequencing the ITS2 and partial 16S rRNA genes from ticks collected from Estonia, Latvia, Sweden and Russia. We tested the assay in a large-scale experiment, and a total of 1284 ticks removed from rodents and shrews were successfully identified at species level.