Biosynthesis and secretion of insect lipoprotein

Biosynthesis of high density lipophorin (HDLp) was studied in larvae and adults of the migratory locust, Locusta migrutm'u. In an in vitro system, fat bodies were in- cubated in a medium containing a mixture of tritiated amino acids. Using SDSPAGE and immunoblotting, it was shown that larval and adult fat bodies secreted both HDLp apoproteins, apolipophorin I (apoLp-I) and apolipophorin I1 (apoLpII). Radiolabel was recovered in both apoproteins, indicative of de novo synthesis. The density of the fractions containing the apoproteins synthesized and secreted by lar- val and adult fat bodies was determined by density gradient ultracentrifugation. A radiolabeled protein fraction was found at density 1.12 g/ml. Using an enzyme-linked im- munosorbent assay for detecting apoLpI and apoLp-11, it was demonstrated that both apoproteins were present in this fraction, which had a density identical to that of circulating HDLp iq hemolymph. Lipid analysis revealed that it con- tained phospholipid, diacylglycerol, sterol, and hydrocar- bons. a From these results it is concluded that the fat body of the locust synthesizes both apoLpI and apoLp-11, which are combined with lipids to a lipoprotein particle that is released into the medium as HDLp.-Weers, P. M. M., D. J. Van der Horst, W. J. A. Van Marrewijk, M. Van den Eijnden, J. M. Van Doom and A. M. T. Beenakkers. Biosyn- thesis and secretion of insect lipoprotein. J. Lipid Res. 1992. 33: 485-491.