Storage protein receptors

Definition

Membrane-bound proteins that recognize and mediate endocytosis of hexameric storage proteins—primarily hexamerins and vitellogenins—into target cells during insect development and reproduction. These receptors enable tissue-specific sequestration of amino acid reserves from hemolymph, directing nutrients to fat body, oocytes, or other sites for metamorphic remodeling or egg production.

Etymology

Example

In developing oocytes of the silkworm Bombyx mori, storage protein receptors on the follicle cell membrane bind vitellogenin and hexamerin, triggering receptor-mediated endocytosis that loads yolk proteins into the growing egg.

Synonyms

• storage protein binding proteins

Related Terms

• hexamerin
• Vitellogenin
• receptor-mediated endocytosis
• storage protein
• Fat body
• Oogenesis
• Metamorphosis

Usage Notes

Often studied in contrast to general endocytic receptors; specificity varies by tissue and developmental stage. In some insects, distinct receptor populations handle hexamerins versus vitellogenins, while others use shared or sequentially expressed receptors. Term is sometimes used loosely for any binding protein facilitating storage protein uptake, though strict usage reserves it for proteins with demonstrated endocytic function.