Receptor Mediated Endocytosis in Crustacean Vitellogenesis

Crustacean yolk proteins are complex molecules comprised of a high-density lipoprotein conjugated to carbohydrates and carotenoid pigments. They are invariably derived from their precursor protein, vitellogenin, synthesized extra ovarially in sites such as hepatopancreas and fat body. The specific uptake of this precursor protein into the oocytes is aided by a vitellogenin receptor present on the oocyte membrane. The present paper deals with the molecular characterization of vitellogenin receptor in an edible crab, Scylla serrata.