Fig 5.

atf3 mutants accumulate surplus lipids while experiencing slow metabolism. (A) Enlarged lipid droplets in the fat body of atf3⁷⁶ larvae. Scale bars = 20 μm. (B) Ectopic fat storage in the atf3⁷⁶ larval midgut. Scale bars = 100 μm. (C) Total contents of TAG, DAG, and FFA as determined by TLC are elevated in atf3 mutants compared to control larvae. (D) Levels of circulating sugars remain unaffected by atf3 deficiency. (E) Both control and atf3⁷⁶ larvae primarily utilize carbohydrates, but the mutants metabolize more slowly. The data are means and SEM; n = 4; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; and ***, P < 0.001.