Fat metabolism in insects

The study of fat metabolism in insects has received considerable attention over the years. Although by no means complete, there is a growing body of information about dietary lipid requirements, and the absolute requirement for sterol is of particular note. In this review we (a) summarize the state...

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Published inAnnual review of nutrition Vol. 21; pp. 23 - 46
Main Authors CANAVOSO, Lilian E, JOUNI, Zeina E, KARNAS, K. Joy, PENNINGTON, James E, WELLS, Michael A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Palo Alto, CA Annual Reviews 01.01.2001
Annual Reviews, Inc
Subjects
Animals
Biochemistry. Physiology. Immunology
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Transport
Fat Body - metabolism
Fatty Acids, Essential - administration & dosage
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Insect Hormones - blood
Insecta
Insecta - metabolism
Insects
Invertebrates
Lipid Metabolism
Lipids
Nutritional Requirements
Physiology. Development
Sterols - administration & dosage
Vertebrates
Flight muscle
Adipose tissue
Digestive system
Midgut
Insecta
Biological transport
Hemolymph
Lipids
Review
Germinal cell
Metabolism
Feeding
Nutrient requirement
Diet
Arthropoda
Animal
Invertebrata
Lipophorin
Oocyte
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Summary:The study of fat metabolism in insects has received considerable attention over the years. Although by no means complete, there is a growing body of information about dietary lipid requirements, and the absolute requirement for sterol is of particular note. In this review we (a) summarize the state of understanding of the dietary requirements for the major lipids and (b) describe in detail the insect lipid transport system. Insects digest and absorb lipids similarly to vertebrates, but with some important differences. The hallmark of fat metabolism in insects centers on the lipid transport system. The major lipid transported is diacylglycerol, and it is carried by a high-density lipoprotein called lipophorin. Lipophorin is a reusable shuttle that picks up lipid from the gut and delivers it to tissues for storage or utilization without using the endocytic processes common to vertebrate cells. The mechanisms by which this occurs are not completely understood and offer fruitful areas for future research.
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ISSN:0199-9885
1545-4312
DOI:10.1146/annurev.nutr.21.1.23