Research Interests

Genetic basis of reproductive hierarchies

In honeybees reproduction is dominated by a single queen, whereas all other individuals altruistically refrain from reproduction and fulfil all tasks necessary for colony maintenance. The proximate mechanisms for this altruistic behaviour-the key to eusociality-are very well characterised. Nevertheless, the evolutionary origin of controlling genes still remains elusive. Cape honeybees (Apis mellifera capensis) are an evolutionary exception and therefore a promising model organism as they are able to undermine the queen´s reproductive monopoly and to establish themselves as fully reproductive "pseudoqueens" instead. In this project we analyse the genetic architecture of the "Cape phenomenon" by Next generation sequencing. Characterisations of candidate genes are done by RNA interference, whereas phenotypes are assessed by microscopy, gene expression studies and gas chromatography.

Molecular mechanisms for disease resistance in honeybees

Using the wide-spread microsporidian parasite Nosema spp. we search for candidate genes facilitating pathogen-resistance in honeybees (Apis mellifera spp.). QTL mapping in combination with gene expression analyses and knock-down approaches are used to learn about host-parasite interactions and the genetic background of disease resistance.

Curriculum vitae

Personal Information

• Year of birth: 1981
• Married, 2 children

Academic Education

• 2012: PhD: Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg. Thesis Genetic control of reproductive hierarchies in honeybees (Apis mellifera spp.)
• 2006: Diploma (biology); Humboldt-University Berlin. Thesis (Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries): Oxidative stress in Daphnia magna caused by toxic cyanobacteria: enzymatic reactions and gene expression.

Academic Career

• Since 2014: postdoctoral researcher; MLU Halle-Wittenberg; employed in the DFG funded project "Genetic control of the thelytoky syndrome in the honeybee Apis mellifera capensis"
• 2011-2012: postdoctoral researcher; TU Dresden
• 2010-2011: coordinator of Fugapis (BMBF) and Mutual (EU-funded)

Publications

• Evans JD, Schwarz RS, Chen YP, Budge G, Cornman RS, De la Rua P, de Miranda JR, Foret S, Foster L, Gauthier L, Genersch E, Gisder G, Jarosch A, Kucharsk R, Lopez D, Man Lun C, Moritz RFA, Maleszka R, Muñoz I, Pinto MA (2013): Standard methods for molecular research in Apis mellifera. J Apicult Res 52(4).
• Yañez O, Jaffé R, Jarosch, Fries I, Moritz RFA, Paxton R, und de Miranda J (2011d): Deformed wing virus and drone mating flights in the honey bee (Apis mellifera): implications for sexual transmission of a major honey bee virus. Apidologie published online first.
• Jarosch A, Stolle E, Crewe RM und Moritz RFA (2011c): Gemini – alternative splicing of a single transcription factor drives selfish reproductive behaviour in honey bee workers (Apis mellifera). PNAS 108: 15282-15287.
• Jarosch A und Moritz RFA (2011b): RNA interference in honeybees: Off-target effects caused by dsRNA. Apidologie 43: 128-138.
• Jarosch A und Moritz RFA (2011a): Systemic RNA-interference in the honeybee Apis mellifera: Tissue dependent uptake of fluorescent siRNA after intra-abdominal application observed by laser-scanning microscopy. J Insect Physiol 57: 851–857.