SEM of Drosophila headDepartment of Zoology, Universty of Hawai'i
Heinz Gert de Couet
Dr rer nat Technische Hochschule Darmstadt (Zoology), 1981

Associate Professor
Department of Zoology, University of Hawai`i
2538 McCarthy Mall, Edmondson 152
Honolulu, HI 96822
phone: (808) 956-9686
fax: (808) 956-9812
couet@hawaii.edu
Current students

Claudia Farfan (Ph.D.)
Appendage development and evolution in cephalopods
Jorik Loeffler (Ph.D.)
Signaling pathways in developmental mechanisms
Marie-Therese Noedl (Ph.D.) Developmental biology and research interest in the evolution and development of cephalopod appendages





Molecular genetics and developmental biology
My laboratory studies the function and evolution of genetic networks responsible for the development and function of the cytoskeleton and neuro-muscular systems of animals. We currently use the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system to study the cell biological role of identified genes, ultimately leading toward understanding their importance for development and survival. Drosophila offers the advantage of a large database of cloned genes and available probes, in addition to its marked tolerance towards genetic manipulations. One of the genes we study in our laboratory, flightless I, is necessary for embryonic development as well as flight muscle development in flies. Homologues of this gene have also been identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and in humans. Sequence analysis shows that part of the gene product shares significant homology with a class of cytoskeletal regulators also found in all higher organisms. Methods currently employed in our laboratory to determine the function and biological significance of this gene in both Drosophila and humans include standard molecular cloning techniques, generating transgenic mutants, regulating gene expression and screening for genetic interactions and immunohistochemistry.

Other projects in our laboratory addressing the evolution of genetic networks in developmental pathways employ the native Hawaiian Sepiolid squid, Euprymna scolopes. Cephalopods exhibit the most complex nervous system and associated behavior among all invertebrates. We have recently cloned the cephalopod homologue of the Drosophila engrailed gene and intend to monitor its expression to elaborate its biological significance during development. The knowledge of fundamental developmental processes and the genes that govern them will reveal possible mechanisms for the rapid emergence of morphological novelties and appearance of major phyla of the animal kingdom during the pre-Cambrian period.

Representative publications
P.N. Lee; P. Callaerts, H.G. de Couet, M.Q. Martindale. 2003. Cephalopod Hox genes and the origin of morphological novelties. NATURE 242: 106-65

Gurvitz, A. , B. Hamilton, A. Hartig, H. Ruis, and H. G. de Couet. 2002. Preliminary characterisation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae YMR211w/DMR1, an essential gene related to misato of Drosophila melanogaster FEMS YEAST RESEARCH 2 (2) 43-55

Callaerts P., Lee P.N.K., Hartmann B., Farfan C.B., Choy D.W.Y., Fischbach K.-F., Gehring W.J., de Couet H.G. 2002. HOX genes in the sepiolid squid Euprymna scolopes: implications for the evolution of complex body plans. PROC. NATL. ACAD. SCI USA 99(4) 2088-93

Hsu, T., D. McRackan, D McRackan, T.S. Vincent, and H.G. de Couet. 2001. The Drosophila Pin1 prolyl isomerase Dodo is a MAP kinase signal responder during oogenesis. NATURE CELL BIOL. 3(6):538 – 543

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