Fatty acid binding proteins in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

The expression of fatty acid binding protein (FABP) is often up-regulated during high energy demanding activities. In this study, we have confirmed the expression of two FABPs in the flight muscles of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Based on real-time PCR results, the expression of both genes appeared to be affected by flight. The promoter of one gene was sequenced and cloned into a GFP reporter vector for a reporter assay using the SF9 cell line. The expression of this gene in the SF9 cell line does not appear to be up-regulated in response to fatty acid treatment. Therefore, alternative strategies to analyze the regulation of this gene are required.