{"entity": "researcher", "timestamp": "2026-09-23T14:43:20.589Z", "family": "Mueller", "given": "Jakob C", "initials": "JC", "orcid": "0000-0001-6676-7595", "affiliations": ["Department of Behavioral Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology 82319 Seewiesen, Germany."], "links": {"self": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/7871afc2a329427a8d06c00aea9acfce.json"}, "display": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/7871afc2a329427a8d06c00aea9acfce"}}, "publications": [{"entity": "publication", "iuid": "fbe737d5585f44029fa4a218c03f23c1", "links": {"self": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/fbe737d5585f44029fa4a218c03f23c1.json"}, "display": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/fbe737d5585f44029fa4a218c03f23c1"}}, "title": "Micro Germline-Restricted Chromosome in Blue Tits: Evidence for Meiotic Functions.", "authors": [{"family": "Mueller", "given": "Jakob C", "initials": "JC", "orcid": "0000-0001-6676-7595", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/7871afc2a329427a8d06c00aea9acfce.json"}}, {"family": "Schlebusch", "given": "Stephen A", "initials": "SA"}, {"family": "Pei", "given": "Yifan", "initials": "Y"}, {"family": "Poignet", "given": "Manon", "initials": "M"}, {"family": "Vontzou", "given": "Niki", "initials": "N"}, {"family": "Ruiz-Ruano", "given": "Francisco J", "initials": "FJ"}, {"family": "Albrecht", "given": "Tom\u00e1\u0161", "initials": "T"}, {"family": "Reifov\u00e1", "given": "Radka", "initials": "R", "orcid": "0000-0001-5852-5174", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/19c70fc264f24ae6b713a7be58620937.json"}}, {"family": "Forstmeier", "given": "Wolfgang", "initials": "W"}, {"family": "Suh", "given": "Alexander", "initials": "A"}, {"family": "Kempenaers", "given": "Bart", "initials": "B"}], "type": "journal article", "published": "2023-05-02", "journal": {"title": "Mol. Biol. Evol.", "issn": "1537-1719", "volume": "40", "issue": "5", "issn-l": "0737-4038"}, "abstract": "The germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) is likely present in all songbird species but differs widely in size and gene content. This extra chromosome has been described as either a microchromosome with only limited basic gene content or a macrochromosome with enriched gene functions related to female gonad and embryo development. Here, we assembled, annotated, and characterized the first micro-GRC in the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) using high-fidelity long-read sequencing data. Although some genes on the blue tit GRC show signals of pseudogenization, others potentially have important functions, either currently or in the past. We highlight the GRC gene paralog BMP15, which is among the highest expressed GRC genes both in blue tits and in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and is known to play a role in oocyte and follicular maturation in other vertebrates. The GRC genes of the blue tit are further enriched for functions related to the synaptonemal complex. We found a similar functional enrichment when analyzing published data on GRC genes from two nightingale species (Luscinia spp.). We hypothesize that these genes play a role in maintaining standard maternal inheritance or in recombining maternal and paternal GRCs during potential episodes of biparental inheritance.", "doi": "10.1093/molbev/msad096", "pmid": "37116210", "labels": [], "xrefs": [{"db": "pmc", "key": "PMC10172847"}, {"db": "pii", "key": "7146701"}], "notes": [], "created": "2026-09-23T11:01:53.498Z", "modified": "2026-09-23T11:01:53.555Z"}, {"entity": "publication", "iuid": "ae5b6159417c41c4a2a94b63978eedb0", "links": {"self": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/ae5b6159417c41c4a2a94b63978eedb0.json"}, "display": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/ae5b6159417c41c4a2a94b63978eedb0"}}, "title": "Local selection signals in the genome of blue tits emphasize regulatory and neuronal evolution.", "authors": [{"family": "Mueller", "given": "Jakob C", "initials": "JC", "orcid": "0000-0001-6676-7595", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/7871afc2a329427a8d06c00aea9acfce.json"}}, {"family": "Botero-Delgadillo", "given": "Esteban", "initials": "E", "orcid": "0000-0003-4653-7551", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/7f221da306964a4f88ad5948b50d60ee.json"}}, {"family": "Esp\u00edndola-Hern\u00e1ndez", "given": "Pamela", "initials": "P"}, {"family": "Gilsenan", "given": "Carol", "initials": "C"}, {"family": "Ewels", "given": "Phil", "initials": "P", "orcid": "0000-0003-4101-2502", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/fcec263f8dde4e788d6bd4702483c7f4.json"}}, {"family": "Gruselius", "given": "Joel", "initials": "J"}, {"family": "Kempenaers", "given": "Bart", "initials": "B", "orcid": "0000-0002-7505-5458", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/6771e71dc2114c6a98eeae371c75fe59.json"}}], "type": "journal article", "published": "2022-03-00", "journal": {"title": "Mol. Ecol.", "issn": "1365-294X", "volume": "31", "issue": "5", "pages": "1504-1514", "issn-l": "0962-1083"}, "abstract": "Understanding the genomic landscape of adaptation is central to understanding microevolution in wild populations. Genomic targets of selection and the underlying genomic mechanisms of adaptation can be elucidated by genome-wide scans for past selective sweeps or by scans for direct fitness associations. We sequenced and assembled 150 haplotypes of 75 blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) of a single Central European population by a linked-read technology. We used these genome data in combination with coalescent simulations (i) to estimate an historical effective population size of ~250,000, which recently declined to ~10,000, and (ii) to identify genome-wide distributed selective sweeps of beneficial variants probably originating from standing genetic variation (soft sweeps). The genes linked to these soft sweeps, but also those linked to hard sweeps based on new beneficial mutants, showed a significant enrichment for functions associated with gene expression and transcription regulation. This emphasizes the importance of regulatory evolution in the population's adaptive history. Soft sweeps were further enriched for genes related to axon and synapse development, indicating the significance of neuronal connectivity changes in the brain potentially linked to behavioural adaptations. A previous scan of heterozygosity-fitness correlations revealed a consistent negative effect on arrival date at the breeding site for a single microsatellite in the MDGA2 gene. Here, we used the haplotype structure around this microsatellite to explain the effect as a local and direct outbreeding effect of a gene involved in synapse development.", "doi": "10.1111/mec.16345", "pmid": "34995389", "labels": [], "xrefs": [], "notes": [], "created": "2026-09-23T13:39:52.869Z", "modified": "2026-09-23T13:39:52.939Z"}, {"entity": "publication", "iuid": "63cb0e71bf294245bcc215e11a74d20f", "links": {"self": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/63cb0e71bf294245bcc215e11a74d20f.json"}, "display": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/63cb0e71bf294245bcc215e11a74d20f"}}, "title": "Occasional paternal inheritance of the germline-restricted chromosome in songbirds.", "authors": [{"family": "Pei", "given": "Yifan", "initials": "Y", "orcid": "0000-0002-2411-4454", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/f89c9be70df04b05bbe8bc30945c854f.json"}}, {"family": "Forstmeier", "given": "Wolfgang", "initials": "W", "orcid": "0000-0002-5984-8925", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/ecb710f7c6a34435b03de70f2bddfc38.json"}}, {"family": "Ruiz-Ruano", "given": "Francisco J", "initials": "FJ", "orcid": "0000-0002-5391-301X", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/b6c9c69ad6644f77bfe61a99ec3e8fd0.json"}}, {"family": "Mueller", "given": "Jakob C", "initials": "JC", "orcid": "0000-0001-6676-7595", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/7871afc2a329427a8d06c00aea9acfce.json"}}, {"family": "Cabrero", "given": "Josefa", "initials": "J", "orcid": "0000-0002-5848-6985", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/b755ff0ab3384aaba07c20ce6ae7a738.json"}}, {"family": "Camacho", "given": "Juan Pedro M", "initials": "JPM", "orcid": "0000-0002-2507-9814", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/d9378abc13c348f18fb6de3fea221311.json"}}, {"family": "Alch\u00e9", "given": "Juan D", "initials": "JD", "orcid": "0000-0002-7547-6025", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/8b8e770bab6a45cba594944cff22323b.json"}}, {"family": "Franke", "given": "Andre", "initials": "A"}, {"family": "Hoeppner", "given": "Marc", "initials": "M"}, {"family": "B\u00f6rno", "given": "Stefan", "initials": "S", "orcid": "0000-0002-7990-9625", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/e4cdfd7df1cf408f83b686b5ceccac8b.json"}}, {"family": "Gessara", "given": "Ivana", "initials": "I", "orcid": "0000-0001-9834-9013", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/21ae972b90d34562bb5b151f42f8fadf.json"}}, {"family": "Hertel", "given": "Moritz", "initials": "M"}, {"family": "Teltscher", "given": "Kim", "initials": "K", "orcid": "0000-0003-3997-7399", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/14c47e12533c40b1b93ce6e59e6ba1b5.json"}}, {"family": "Knief", "given": "Ulrich", "initials": "U", "orcid": "0000-0001-6959-3033", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/41faddaa4cc1445e854ba4a62298507d.json"}}, {"family": "Suh", "given": "Alexander", "initials": "A", "orcid": "0000-0002-8979-9992", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/e1790a31477c4376957d8c328299db1c.json"}}, {"family": "Kempenaers", "given": "Bart", "initials": "B", "orcid": "0000-0002-7505-5458", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/6771e71dc2114c6a98eeae371c75fe59.json"}}], "type": "journal article", "published": "2022-01-25", "journal": {"title": "Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.", "issn": "1091-6490", "volume": "119", "issue": "4", "issn-l": "0027-8424"}, "abstract": "Songbirds have one special accessory chromosome, the so-called germline-restricted chromosome (GRC), which is only present in germline cells and absent from all somatic tissues. Earlier work on the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) showed that the GRC is inherited only through the female line-like the mitochondria-and is eliminated from the sperm during spermatogenesis. Here, we show that the GRC has the potential to be paternally inherited. Confocal microscopy using GRC-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization probes indicated that a considerable fraction of sperm heads (1 to 19%) in zebra finch ejaculates still contained the GRC. In line with these cytogenetic data, sequencing of ejaculates revealed that individual males from two families differed strongly and consistently in the number of GRCs in their ejaculates. Examining a captive-bred male hybrid of the two zebra finch subspecies (T. g. guttata and T. g. castanotis) revealed that the mitochondria originated from a castanotis mother, whereas the GRC came from a guttata father. Moreover, analyzing GRC haplotypes across nine castanotis matrilines, estimated to have diverged for up to 250,000 y, showed surprisingly little variability among GRCs. This suggests that a single GRC haplotype has spread relatively recently across all examined matrilines. A few diagnostic GRC mutations that arose since this inferred spreading suggest that the GRC has continued to jump across matriline boundaries. Our findings raise the possibility that certain GRC haplotypes could selfishly spread through the population via occasional paternal transmission, thereby outcompeting other GRC haplotypes that were limited to strict maternal inheritance, even if this was partly detrimental to organismal fitness.", "doi": "10.1073/pnas.2103960119", "pmid": "35058355", "labels": [], "xrefs": [{"db": "pmc", "key": "PMC8794876"}, {"db": "pii", "key": "2103960119"}], "notes": [], "created": "2026-09-23T10:06:20.517Z", "modified": "2026-09-23T10:06:20.913Z"}, {"entity": "publication", "iuid": "92a5b042f3fd48ceafa5ba21568aa533", "links": {"self": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/92a5b042f3fd48ceafa5ba21568aa533.json"}, "display": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/92a5b042f3fd48ceafa5ba21568aa533"}}, "title": "Occasional paternal inheritance of the germline-restricted chromosome in songbirds", "authors": [{"family": "Pei", "given": "Yifan", "initials": "Y", "orcid": "0000-0002-2411-4454", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/f89c9be70df04b05bbe8bc30945c854f.json"}}, {"family": "Forstmeier", "given": "Wolfgang", "initials": "W", "orcid": "0000-0002-5984-8925", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/ecb710f7c6a34435b03de70f2bddfc38.json"}}, {"family": "Ruiz-Ruano", "given": "Francisco J", "initials": "FJ", "orcid": "0000-0002-5391-301X", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/b6c9c69ad6644f77bfe61a99ec3e8fd0.json"}}, {"family": "Mueller", "given": "Jakob C", "initials": "JC", "orcid": "0000-0001-6676-7595", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/7871afc2a329427a8d06c00aea9acfce.json"}}, {"family": "Cabrero", "given": "Josefa", "initials": "J", "orcid": "0000-0002-5848-6985", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/b755ff0ab3384aaba07c20ce6ae7a738.json"}}, {"family": "Camacho", "given": "Juan Pedro M", "initials": "JPM", "orcid": "0000-0002-2507-9814", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/d9378abc13c348f18fb6de3fea221311.json"}}, {"family": "Alch\u00e9", "given": "Juan D", "initials": "JD", "orcid": "0000-0002-7547-6025", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/8b8e770bab6a45cba594944cff22323b.json"}}, {"family": "Franke", "given": "Andre", "initials": "A"}, {"family": "Hoeppner", "given": "Marc", "initials": "M"}, {"family": "B\u00f6rno", "given": "Stefan", "initials": "S"}, {"family": "Gessara", "given": "Ivana", "initials": "I", "orcid": "0000-0001-9834-9013", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/21ae972b90d34562bb5b151f42f8fadf.json"}}, {"family": "Hertel", "given": "Moritz", "initials": "M"}, {"family": "Teltscher", "given": "Kim", "initials": "K"}, {"family": "Knief", "given": "Ulrich", "initials": "U", "orcid": "0000-0001-6959-3033", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/41faddaa4cc1445e854ba4a62298507d.json"}}, {"family": "Suh", "given": "Alexander", "initials": "A", "orcid": "0000-0002-8979-9992", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/e1790a31477c4376957d8c328299db1c.json"}}, {"family": "Kempenaers", "given": "Bart", "initials": "B", "orcid": "0000-0002-7505-5458", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/6771e71dc2114c6a98eeae371c75fe59.json"}}], "type": "posted-content", "published": "2021-01-28", "journal": {"issn-l": null}, "abstract": null, "doi": "10.1101/2021.01.28.428604", "pmid": null, "labels": [], "xrefs": [], "notes": [], "created": "2026-09-23T14:10:31.520Z", "modified": "2026-09-23T14:10:31.848Z"}]}