Research profile PD Dr. Heiko Harten

We apply Drosophila melanogaster as a model to understand the developmental and physiological functionality of metalloproteases. In this regard, we are particularly interested in characterizing the molecular mechanisms by which these enzymes regulate proper function and contraction of muscle and heart cells. To address these questions, we take advantage of the genetic amenability of the Drosophila system and apply a broad range of cell biological, protein biochemical, and cell imaging techniques. To assess the relevance our results may have for a better understanding of human heart disease, we established a collaboration with the Heart- and Diabetes-Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen.

Research topics

• Metalloproteases in Drosophila
• Heart and muscle function
• Peptide metabolism
• Energy metabolism

Model systems

• Drosophila models for human disease
• Peptide metabolism in cultured Drosophila cells
• Lepidopteran cells as efficient protein factories

Methods

• CRISPR/Cas9
• Proteomics
• Drosophila genetics
• Ca²⁺-imaging in live cells
• Confocal laser scanning microscopy
• Semi-automated heartbeat analysis

Selected publications

• Buhr A, Breitsprecher L, Franzkoch R, Psathaki OE, Kipp I, Cordes E, Paululat A, Meyer H (2025):  Neprilysin 4 controls acrosome integrity and male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster. Commun Biol 8:1701.
• Meyer H, Bossen J, Janz M, Müller X, Künzel S, Roeder T, Paululat, A. (2024):  Combined transcriptome and proteome profiling reveal cell-type-specific functions of Drosophila garland and pericardial nephrocytes. Commun Biol 7:1424.
• Schiemann R, Buhr A, Cordes E, Walter S, Heinisch JJ, Ferrero P, Milting H, Paululat A, Meyer H (2022):  Neprilysins regulate muscle contraction and heart function via cleavage of SERCA-inhibitory micropeptides. Nat Commun 13:4420.

Please note: Heiko Harten publishes under his birth name (Meyer H).