Expression of larval hemolymph proteins (Lhp) genes and protein synthesis in the fat body of greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) larvae during diapause.

When one-day-old, last instar Galleria mellonella larvae are exposed to 18 degrees C they enter diapause and cease further development for several months. During diapause a group of proteins (72-84 kDa) synthesized in the fat body and secreted into the hemolymph is markedly elevated. Partial sequencing of the N-terminus of two proteins from this group confirmed their identity with larval hemolymph proteins (LHP) belonging to the family of hexameric storage proteins. The expression of two Lhp genes of known sequence (Lhp76 and Lhp82) were monitored in both diapausing and non-diapausing individuals. The expression of both genes and subsequent synthesis of the proteins (LHP76 and LHP82) is maintained until at least 90-100 days of diapause.