Research Articles

Two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of Aedes aegypti mosquito fat body proteins during a gonotropic cycle

We have used two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to examine changes in the relative abundance and diversity of non-secreted proteins in Aedes aegypti fat body preparations during a reproductive cycle. Electrophoretic profiles were evaluated at four time points after eclosion, and at five time points after a blood meal. In contrast to the dramatic changes in abundance of specific secreted proteins such as vitellogenin, our results show that the complement of proteins internal to the fat body remains relatively constant during the mosquito reproductive cycle. Of the approximately 5-10% of proteins that do change in abundance, the majority undergo a dramatic decrease within 24 hours after eclosion.