Lipid storage and mobilization in insects: current status and future directions

In this paper we review the current status of research on fatty acid absorp tion and conversion to diacylglycerol in the midgut. We further discuss how diacylglycerol may leave the midgut and associate with Lipophorin in hemol ymph. We review the present understanding of the role of the lipid transfer particle and lipophorin receptors in lipid delivery between lipophorin and tissues. Finally, we discuss recent studies on the mobilization of diacylg lycerol from the fat body in response to adipokinetic hormone. Several sugg estions for exciting areas of future research are described. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.