Culture and analysis of the insect fat body

Abstract

In insects, the fat body is the centre of intermediate metabolism: it is involved in the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogenous compounds. Moreover, it is a powerful secretory organ responsible for the production of virtually all haemolymph proteins, including most immune defense factors. The fat body is capable of extremely high levels of protein synthesis and secretion, as exemplified by the massive production of yolk protein precursors during vitellogenesis in female insects. Throughout the life cycle, fat body functions are developmentally or hormonally regulated, accommodating the needs of the developing, growing, metamorphosing, or reproducing insect (Wyatt, 1980; Keeley, 1985; Kanost et al., 1990; Raikhel, 1992).