Changes in midgut and brain proteins in Morimus funereus larvae depending on nutritive substrate
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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Functional Analysis of the Larval Feeding Circuit in Drosophila
Published on: November 19, 2013
Larisa Ilijin1, Milena Janković-Tomanić, Marija Mitić
1Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research Sinića Stankovi, 29. Novembra 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro. lararid@ibbi.ibiss.bg.ac.yu
Abstract:
The response of Morimus funereus larvae to total starvation and refeeding with qualitatively different nutritive substrates (artificial diets supplemented with yeast as a source of B complex vitamins or with a digestibility reducer-tannic acid) was examined in this paper. Refeeding resulted in a compensatory increase of larval growth. Feeding and refeeding with qualitatively different nutritive substrates affected both quality and quantity of midgut and brain proteins. The observed differences suggest the possible switching of enzyme isoforms in M. funereus midgut and changes in synthesis/secretion of neurohormones, depending on food presence and its nutritional value.

