Michael Akam and the rise of evolutionary developmental biology

Abstract

Michael Akam has been awarded the 2007 Kowalevsky medal for his many research accomplishments in the area of evolutionary developmental biology. We highlight three tributaries of Michaels contribution to evolutionary developmental biology. First, he has made major contributions to our understanding of development of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Second, he has maintained a consistent focus on several key problems in evolutionary developmental biology, including the evolving role of Hox genes in arthropods and, more recently, the evolution of segmentation mechanisms. Third, Michael has written a series of influential reviews that have integrated progress in developmental biology into an evolutionary perspective. Michael has also made a large impact on the field through his effective mentorship style, his selfless promotion of younger colleagues, and his leadership of the University Museum of Zoology at Cambridge and the European community of evolutionary developmental biologists.

Fig. 1. Michael (right) being awarded the Kowalevsky medal in 2008

A. K. Dondua is shown on the left.

Fig. 2. Photo of of the Ultrabithorax transcript in situ in three embryonic stages of Drosophila melanogaster, from (Akam et al., 1985)

(A) Cellular blastoderm stage. (B) Extended germ band stage. (C) 12–14 h embryo.

Fig. 3. Model of the evolution of Hox gene expression patterns between crustaceans and insects, from (Akam, 1995)

This model illustrates that the traditionally defined thorax of crustacea may be homologous to the entire pre-genital trunk of insects. Gene abbreviations: Antp, Antennapedia, Ubx, Ultrabithorax, abd-A, abdominal-A, Abd-B, Abdominal-B.