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Lipid transfer particle in locust hemolymph: purification and characterization
1Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Journal of Lipid Research
|May 1, 1990
Summary
This study isolated and purified a lipid transfer particle (LTP) from locust hemolymph, finding it catalyzes diacylglycerol exchange between lipophorins. Its properties are similar to M. sexta LTP, but it may lack net transfer capacity.
Area of Science:
- Insect biochemistry
- Lipid metabolism
- Protein purification
Background:
- Lipid transfer particles (LTPs) play crucial roles in lipid transport in insects.
- Understanding LTP function is vital for insect physiology and biochemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a lipid transfer particle (LTP) from the hemolymph of adult male locusts (Locusta migratoria).
- To investigate the catalytic activity and molecular properties of the locust LTP.
- To compare the locust LTP with LTPs from other insect species, such as M. sexta.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of LTP from locust hemolymph.
- Assay of diacylglycerol exchange activity between low density lipophorin (LDLp) and high density lipophorin (HDLp).
- Determination of molecular weight and subunit composition of LTP using biochemical techniques.
- Analysis of lipid content and composition of the purified LTP.
Main Results:
- A locust LTP was successfully isolated and purified, exhibiting catalytic activity for diacylglycerol exchange between LDLp and HDLp.
- The locust LTP appears to lack the capacity for net diacylglycerol transfer to form intermediate density lipophorin, unlike M. sexta LTP.
- The purified locust LTP has a molecular weight of approximately 600,000 Da and comprises three glycosylated apoproteins (apoLTP-I, apoLTP-II, apoLTP-III).
- Locust LTP contains significant lipids (14.4%), including hydrocarbons, diacylglycerol, cholesterol, free fatty acids, and phospholipids.
- Molecular properties of locust LTP are largely similar to those reported for M. sexta LTP.
Conclusions:
- The locust LTP facilitates diacylglycerol exchange between lipophorins, contributing to lipid transport.
- While similar in many aspects to M. sexta LTP, the locust LTP may differ in its capacity for net diacylglycerol transfer.
- Further studies are needed to definitively conclude on the complete absence of net transfer capacity in locust LTP.