The role of larval fat cells in starvation resistance and reproduction in adult Drosophila melanogaster

The Role of Larval Fat Cells in Starvation Resistance and Reproduction in Adult Drosophila melanogaster by Jerell Roland Aguila Dr. Deborah K. Hoshizaki, Examination Committee Chair Associate Professor of Life Sciences University of Nevada, Las Vegas The intricate life cycle of holometabolous insects includes well-defined larval and adult stages associated with feeding and non-feeding periods. The larval stage is distinguished by prevalent feeding and is necessary for supporting the animal as it quickly grows. The larval stage also serves as the period for the animal to obtain adequate energy stores, primarily in the larval fat body, to fuel the animal through the non-feeding pupal and immature adult stages. Acquiring sufficient energy stores is paramount for the success of the adult animal. In fact, certain insects, such as silkworms and mayflies, do not feed as adults and must obtain all their lifetime nutrients during the larval stage. In Drosophila melanogaster, the larval fat body is preserved during the pupal stage as individual dissociated cells, enabling the animal access to the energy stores. These larval fat cells do not undergo early pupal autophagic cell death that eliminates most of the larval cells during metamorphosis. Instead, these larval fat cells persist into the adult stage and have a nutritional role in the young adult. By utilizing cell markers, I show that the larval fat cells remain in the young adult and are ultimately removed in the adult by a