Fig. 4. Expression of Aaslif and AaiCAT2 mRNA. Relative mRNA levels in fat body tissue of female mosquitoes at different points of the first reproductive cycle were determined by real-time PCR. (A) Schematic diagram of the different phases of female mosquito fat bodies during the first reproductive cycle. The previtellogenic period starts with a 3 day preparation period during which the mosquito fat body gains competence to respond to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and produce yolk protein precursor (YPPs). This is followed by a state-ofarrest that lasts until a blood meal (BM) is taken. The vitellogenic period is divided into a synthesis phase during which the YPPs are produced, and a termination phase, during which the fat body undergoes remodeling and returns to its previtellogenic state of being a store for lipid, protein and glycogen reserves (Raikhel and Dhadialla, 1992). (B) Aaslif mRNA expression profile. (C) AaiCAT2 mRNA expression profile. PBM, post blood meal.