Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Alternative lipid mobilization: the insect shuttle system.

Dick J van der Horst1, Dennis van Hoof, Wil J A van Marrewijk

  • 1Department of Biochemical Physiology and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. d.j.vanderhorst@bio.uu.nl

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|December 14, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Insects utilize a unique diacylglycerol (DAG) transport system via lipophorins for flight energy. This reusable shuttle differs from mammalian lipid transport, offering insights into metabolic diseases.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Multi-omics analyses of MEN1 missense mutations identify disruption of menin-MLL and menin-JunD interactions as critical requirements for molecular pathogenicity.

Epigenetics & chromatin·2022
Same author

Abuse liability assessment of the JUUL system in two nicotine concentrations compared to combustible cigarette, nicotine gum and comparator electronic nicotine delivery system.

Drug and alcohol dependence·2020
Same author

Phosphorylation of NEUROG3 Links Endocrine Differentiation to the Cell Cycle in Pancreatic Progenitors.

Developmental cell·2017
Same author

Optimization and testing of dried antibody tube: The EuroFlow LST and PIDOT tubes as examples.

Journal of immunological methods·2017
Same author

PEGylated IL-10 Activates Kupffer Cells to Control Hypercholesterolemia.

PloS one·2016
Same author

Lipoprotein assembly and function in an evolutionary perspective.

Biomolecular concepts·2015

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Insect Physiology
  • Comparative Metabolism

Background:

  • Lipid mobilization is crucial for sustained energy in flying insects.
  • Mammalian exercise relies on free fatty acids (FFA) from triacylglycerol (TAG).
  • Insect lipid transport involves a distinct diacylglycerol (DAG) shuttle system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the novel mechanism of lipid transport in flying insects.
  • To compare insect and mammalian lipid mobilization pathways.
  • To explore the potential of insect models for human metabolic disease research.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of lipoprotein structure and function in insects.
  • Investigating the role of high-density lipophorin (HDLp) and apolipoprotein (apoLp-III) in lipid transport.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparative analysis with mammalian lipoprotein systems.

    • Main Results:

    • Insects transport lipids as DAG via HDLp, loaded with apoLp-III, forming low-density lipophorin (LDLp).
    • DAG is hydrolyzed to FFA at flight muscles for energy, and HDLp/apoLp-III are recycled.
    • Insect HDLp function differs from mammalian TAG-rich lipoproteins during exercise.

    Conclusions:

    • Insect flight relies on a unique, reusable DAG-lipophorin shuttle for energy.
    • Structural similarities exist between insect and mammalian apolipoproteins.
    • Insect lipid transport offers a novel model for studying human metabolic disorders.