New morphological data on fat bodies of semi-engorged females of Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae)

The present ultramorphological, histological and ultrastructural study on the fat body of semi-engorged females of Amblyomma cajennense revealed that this tissue is diffuse and consists of strands of cells surrounding the tracheal trunks. Morphometric analysis showed that the cellular and nuclear areas of round-shaped trophocytes are larger than those of cuboidal trophocytes, indicating that the arrangement of the former provides more contact area with the haemolymph. In this species, the fat body is found right underneath the integument and around organs. It consists of two cell types that despite distinct morphological characteristics and locations in the tissue, present the same histological features. In this study, these cells were termed cuboidal trophocytes when arranged as strands of cells and present in larger numbers, and round-shaped trophocytes when lying on these strands and observed in fewer numbers. Histological observations revealed that both types of trophocytes have one nucleus in their cytoplasm and also exhibit numerous vacuoles of different sizes and contents. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the organelles more frequently observed were the vesicular and lamellar rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria with tubular crests, indicating that they might be involved in lipid synthesis. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum was not observed. Cuboidal trophocytes arranged in strands, despite being closely associated, do not exhibit fused plasma membranes. Rather, the fusion of basal lamina of two neighboring cells is occasionally observed, acting as a selective permeability barrier. Here, a new terminology for tick fat body is proposed. It is based on fat body location (parietal, when located right underneath the integument instead of peripheral; and perivisceral, when located around organs instead of central) terminologies previously suggest by Obenchain and Oliver and for the cells constituting them, cuboidal trophocytes when arranged as strands, and round-shaped trophocytes when lying on these strands. Nephrocytes were not observed in semi-engorged females of A. cajennense.     

Storaged products and presence of acid phosphatase in fat body cells at pre-pupal worker stage of Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Fat body cells or throphocytes of individuals during beginning of pupation (pre-pupae) of Apis mellifera were collected and studied by routine and cytochemical preparations for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the trophocytes present large reserves of lipids, proteins, and glycogen. Imidazole osmium treatment revealed that lipids are deposited as droplets in the cytoplasm and also within protein granules. Thiery's reaction showed the presence of glycogen inside protein granules. An acid phosphatase reaction was performed to verify the role of this enzyme in the mobilization of stored reserves during metamorphosis. Positive reaction for acid phosphatase was detected at larger protein granules, at the periphery of the large lipid droplets, and free in the cytoplasm. The contents of protein, lipid and glycogen are stored in the trophocytes at larval phase to be used during metamorphosis. The acid phosphatase present in the products stored might be responsible for their metabolization, while acid phosphatase free in cytoplasm might actuates in the trophocytes histolysis that occurs during metamorphosis for energy production.     

Histological and histochemical features of the oogenesis in the simultaneous protandric hermaphrodite shrimp Exhippolysmata oplophoroides (Decapoda: Caridea)

This study analyzes the dynamics of the vitellogenesis process in the simultaneous protandric hermaphrodite shrimp Exhippolysmata oplophoroides, based on light microscopic observations. The ovotestes of the shrimps at the different gonadal development stages were removed, fixed and submitted an usual histological procedure (HE) and histochemical techniques (Bromophenol Blue, PAS/Alcian Blue, and Von Kossa tests). The germinative cells were classified into oogonias, and oocytes in stages I–IV based on the following features: cell size, cytoplasm appearance, presence of yolk granules, lipid droplets, chorion, and chromatin patterns. In the male initial phase of the gonadal development, the ovotestes present mainly oogonia and oocytes I and II while in the functional hermaphrodite phase, oocytes III and IV predominate in the peripheral zone of the gonads. Oocytes with an atypical appearance of the cellular components indicative of reabsorption were also observed. This study showed an increasing accumulation of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids occurring as the germ cells develop, being the yolk elements deposited in a sequence, in which proteins and carbohydrates are the first to appear both by an endogenous as well as also by an exogenous origin. The presence of calcium was detected mainly in oocytes I, II and inside those in reabsorption, being posteriorly mobilized to chorion constitution and/or to hemolymph due to its role during molting. Although the similarity of the germ cells shape among the crustaceans, this first histochemical characterization of E. oplophoproides ovary increases the comprehension of oogenesis in a caridean simultaneous protandric hermaphrodite species.     

Morphometric changes on honeybee Apis mellifera L. workers fat body cells after juvenile hormone topic application at emergence

The effect of topical application of juvenile hormone (JH) over the lifetime of worker bees was evaluated in Apis mellifera, by measuring the area of the two cell types, trophocytes and oenocytes, found in the fat body. Topical application of 1 microl of a 1 microg/microl solution of JH in acetone to the abdomens of newly emerged workers produced an increase in cell size, in both types of cell of 5-day-old treated workers in relation to the untreated control. The treatment was more effective on the oenocytes, since there were significant differences compared to the averages of the treatments and the interaction of the treatments with the age of the workers. The developmental pattern seemed to differ from the treated group. However, subsequent effects were probably dependent on different, natural variations in hormonal levels.     

First evidence of an intimate symbiotic association between fungi and larvae in basal attine ants

The most conspicuous ants in all of tropical America are those that belong to the tribe Attini which cultivate fungus. The objective of the present study is to verify the alterations that occur in the cuticle of the worker larvae from Myrmicocrypta, Mycetarotes and Trachymyrmex with the purpose of trying to establish the degree of this association. Attine ants from the Atta genus were used as a control group. The analysis of histological sections showed results about the distribution of the cells and tissues on the epidermis of A. sexdens rubropilosa ant larvae and Mycetarotes parallelus, Trachymyrmex fuscus and Myrmicocrypta sp. A cuticle covering the ants was observed in the larvae of all the species, and this is formed by a simple cubic epithelium, whose cells possibly change its shape to prismatic, depending on their secretory activity. Just under this epithelium large adipose cells with reserve granules in their cytoplasm were found. The presence of a space filled by granulose and acellular material was also observed, indicating that the larvae were in a molt period. The presence of fungal hyphae is observed both on the external side of the basal attine larvae as well as emitting projections to the interior of the cuticle reaching the epithelium and the adipocyte cells. Data obtained in the present study demonstrated that the fungus deposited on the surface of immature ants from attine basal species maintain a close relationship with them, once the fungus hyphae have the ability to disorganize the cuticle lamellas, penetrating the interior of the insect cells through the emission of prolongations transporting the cuticle and epithelium barriers and making substances exchanges between larvae and fungus.     

Morpho-physiological analysis of the insect fat body: A review

The insect fat body is the main organ of the intermediate metabolism of insects. The majority of proteins of the haemolymph is synthesized in this tissue, which also presents the functions of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins storage. This tissue is also responsible for the synthesis of vitellogenins, proteins with an important role in the reproduction of the insects, being incorporated into the oocytes during vitellogenesis. The fat body consists of thin layers or strings, generally one or two cells thick, or small nodules suspended in the hemocele through connective tissues and trachea. Within a species, the structure of this tissue is more or less constant, but can have considerable differences between insects of different orders. In this way, this article makes a review about the main morpho-physiological features of the fat body cells of the insects, as well as a phylogenetic study of the fat body between basal and derived species of the Attini tribe ants.     

Fat body of the zoophytophagous predator Brontocoris tabidus (Het.: Pentatomidae) females: Impact of the herbivory and age

The effect of different diets [Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) pupae; T. molitor pupae and Eucalyptus cloeziana plant; T. molitor and Eucalyptus urophylla plant and T. molitor pupae and guava plant (Psidium guajava)] on the morpho-physiological features of the fat body of Brontocoris tabidus (Signoret) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females was studied in the field. Adult females of B. tabidus have trophocytes about twofold larger (966.32 μm²) when fed on E. urophylla and T. molitor than those fed on other diets. The trophocytes of B. tabidus showed similar morphological aspects with the different diets and age of this predator. The histochemical tests indicated a reduced quantity of proteins and carbohydrates in the fat body of B. tabidus females with all diets and age of this predator.     

Ultra-structure and histochemistry of digestive cells of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed with prey reared on bt-cotton

The toxic effects of Bt proteins from the body of the prey/host to predators and parasitoids have been investigated as a route of impact on non-target insects of Bt crops. This research aimed to analyze ultrastructural changes and histochemistry in digestive cells of the middle region of the midgut of Podisus nigrispinus fed, since its second instar, with Spodoptera frugiperda reared on Bt cotton variety Acala90 B, which expresses the toxin Cry 1Ac, and its non-Bt isoline Acala 90. Fragments of the midgut of P. nigrispinus were analyzed by electron microscopy. For the histochemical analysis, Bromophenol Blue, Periodic Acid Schiff von Kossa, Alcian Blue pH 2.5 and Sudan Black were used. The Cry1Ac toxin of Bt cotton ingested by S. frugiperda promotes a disorganization in the perimicrovillar matrix of P. nigrispinus (third trophic level), thus generating ultrastructural changes in the digestive cells, as elongation of microvilli, presence of spherocrystals and granules of different electron densities, in addition to altering the distribution pattern of glycogen, lipids and calcium of these cells in the median region of the midgut. Thus, we conclude that species moderately susceptible to Cry1Ac toxin, such as S. frugiperda, can acquire this toxin and expose it to P. nigrispinus, which can interfere with your ability to predation.     

Ultrastructural changes and programmed cell death of trophocytes in the gonad of Isohypsibius granulifer granulifer Thulin, 1928 (Tardigrada,Eutardigrada, Isohypsibiidae)

The studies on the fates of the trophocytes, the apoptosis and autophagy in the gonad of Isohypsibius granulifer granulifer have been described using transmission electron microscope, light and fluorescent microscopes. The results presented here are the first that are connected with the cell death of nurse cells in the gonad of tardigrades. However, here we complete the results presented by Węglarska (1987).The reproductive system of I. g. granulifer contains a single sack-like hermaphroditic gonad and a single gonoduct. The gonad is composed of three parts: a germarium filled with proliferating germ cells (oogonia); a vitellarium that has clusters of female germ cells (the region of oocytes development); and a male part filled with male germ cells in which the sperm cells develop. The trophocytes (nurse cells) show distinct alterations during all of the stages of oogenesis: previtello-, vitello- and choriogenesis. During previtellogenesis the female germ cells situated in the vitellarium are connected by cytoplasmic bridges, and form clusters of cells. No ultrastructural differences appear among the germ cells in a cluster during this stage of oogenesis. In early vitellogenesis, the cells in each cluster start to grow and numerous organelles gradually accumulate in their cytoplasm. However, at the beginning of the middle of vitellogenesis, one cell in each cluster starts to grow in order to differentiate into oocyte, while the remaining cells are trophocytes. Eventually, the cytoplasmic bridges between the oocyte and trophocytes disappear. Autophagosomes also appear in the cytoplasm of nurse cells together with many degenerating organelles. The cytoplasm starts to shrink, which causes the degeneration of the cytoplasmic bridges between trophocytes. Apoptosis begins when the cytoplasm of these cells is full of autophagosomes/autolysosomes and causes their death.     

Mitochondrial and peroxisomal population in post-pharyngeal glands of leaf-cutting ants after lipid supplementation

The post-pharyngeal gland (PPG) occurs in ants and some Sphecidae wasps. Among its several roles is the storage of lipids from food. In order to investigate the effect of lipids on the cell, especially on mitochondria and peroxisomes, the present study was aimed at examining the peroxisomal and mitochondrial population in the PPG of Atta sexdens rubropilosa after lipid supplementation by confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Soybean oil provided as lipid supplement was not toxic for A. sexdens rubropilosa workers for the first 48 h and 120 h. However, the ultrastructural cytochemical analysis revealed an accumulation of lipid droplets in the PPGs of ants after lipid supplementation at 48 h and 120 h, and smaller lipid droplets in the basal membrane of the PPG epithelium, showing lipid mobilization from the PPG to the hemolymph. The lipid supplementation reduces the life expectancy of medium workers, probably due to the high lipid metabolism. Most importantly, the PPGs of medium workers of leaf-cutting A. sexdens rubropilosa is probably a specialized gland in the lipid metabolism, due to the increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal population inside cells after lipid supplementation; participation of peroxisomal population in the β-oxidation of long chain fatty acids into smaller chains and participation of mitochondrial population in the β-oxidation of fatty acids for energy, or mobilization of lipid derivatives from the PPG to hemolymph, a process that requires energy. However, the hypothesis that the PPGs convert lipids from food in aldehydes and/or hydrocarbons must be better investigated.     

Infrared spectra of urine from cancerous bladders

The infrared spectra of organic constituents of urine from cancerous bladders of some patients were recorded. The spectra of the organic part of the samples were classified into five types according to the bulk constituents. Samples with type A spectra consisted mainly of proteins with only trace amounts of lipids. Their spectra were characterized mainly by the absorption bands of proteins at the frequencies 3330, 3075, 2960, 2850, 1650, 1530, 1450, 1400 and 1320 cm^–1, in addition to a weak band at 1720 cm^–1 due to the absorption of lipids. Samples with type B spectra were characterized by high amounts of proteins and low amounts of lipids and phosphate compounds. The presence of phosphate compounds was indicated by the absorption bands at the frequencies 1100 and 1030 cm^–1. Samples giving spectral type C were characterized by high urea contents as indicated by the presence of two strong bands at 1670 and 1630 cm^–1. Samples with the spectral type D consisted of urea and phosphate compounds whereas the last spectral type E consisted mainly of calcium oxalates, uric acids and phosphate compounds. The presence of calcium oxalates was indicated by the presence of its diagnostic bands at the frequencies 1630 and 1330 cm^–1, while the presence of uric acid was indicated by the bands at the frequencies 1360, 1130, 1020 and 880 cm^–1. On the other hand, the spectra of the organic part of urine from some normal bladders exhibited the characteristic bands of urea only.Careful examination of the spectra of the inorganic part of urine revealed that some samples consisted mainly of hydroxyapatite. The absorption bands of hydroxyapatite appeared at the frequencies 568, 603, 985, 1037 and 1128 cm^–1. The spectra of other samples showed that the bands of basic phosphates at the frequencies 568, 620, 727, 890, 1035 and 1140 cm^–1. The spectra of the inorganic part of urine from a number of normal bladders displayed the bands of basic phosphates. The relationship between urine constituents and pathological types of bladder tumor tissue was discussed.     

Female reproductive system of the sugarcane spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata (Auchenorrhyncha): vitellogenesis dynamics and protein quantification

The present study aimed describing the ovaries of the sugarcane spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata which are meroistic telotrophic with nurse cells and oocytes located in the tropharium. SEM revealed paired ovaries located dorsolaterally around the intestine, and oocytes exhibiting shapes ranging from round (less developed) to elliptic (more developed), suggesting a simultaneous, although, asynchronous development. Based on histological data we classified the oocytes in stages from I to V. Stage I oocytes exhibit follicular epithelium with cubic and/or prismatic cells, fine cytoplasmic granules. Stage II oocytes present intercellular spaces in the follicular epithelium due to the incorporation of yolk elements from the hemolymph. Small granules are present in the periphery of oocytes while larger granules are observed in the center. Stage III oocytes are larger and intercellular spaces in the follicular epithelium are evident, as well as the interface between follicular epithelium and oocyte. Yolk granules of different sizes are present in the cytoplasm. During this stage, chorion deposition initiates. Stage IV oocytes exhibit squamous follicular cells and larger intercellular spaces when compared to those observed in the previous stage. The oocyte cytoplasm present granular and viscous yolk, the latter is the result of the breakdown of granules. Stage V oocytes exhibit a follicular epithelium almost completely degenerated, smaller quantities of granular yolk and large amounts of viscous yolk. Based on our findings we established the sequence of yolk deposition in M. fimbriolata oocyte as follows: proteins and lipids, which are first produced by endogenous processes in stages I and II oocytes. Exogenous incorporation begins in stage III. In stages I and II oocytes, lipids are also produced by follicular epithelial cells. The third element to be deposited is polysaccharides, mainly found as complexes. Therefore, the yolk present in the oocytes of this species consists of glycolipoproteins. Molecular weights of proteins present in M. fimbriolata oocytes ranged from 10 to 92 KDa, differently from vitellogenin, the most common protein present in insect oocytes, weighing approximately 180 KDa.     

傅里叶变换红外光谱法和紫外-可见谱线组法分析广西特产罗汉果

采用红外光谱和紫外-可见谱线组法全面分析了广西特产罗汉果,并将紫外-可见谱线组法延伸至红外光谱,采集了4种浸泡液的红外谱图。罗汉果红外光谱中出现了羟基、亚甲基、链状羧酸酯羰基、酰胺和苷键的特征吸收峰,表明其中主要含有油脂、蛋白质和甜甙等成分。4种不同极性溶剂水、乙醇、氯仿和石油醚浸泡液的紫外-可见谱线中吸收峰个数、峰形和峰位都存在很大差别,全面反映出罗汉果所含成分的整体效应。4种浸泡液的红外谱图中分别出现了不同成分的特征峰,说明水浸泡液中含有蛋白质和甜甙等极性分子,乙醇浸泡液中既含有蛋白质、甜甙,也含有油脂等脂溶性成分,氯仿浸泡液中除了含有大量油脂,还含有少量蛋白质等成分,而石油醚浸泡液中只含有油脂等脂溶性成分。     

Bidder's organ of Bufo ictericus: a light and electron microscopy analysis

Male toads of the Bufonidae Family have rudimentary ovaries designated Bidder's organs, and if the testes are removed this organ develops into a functional ovary, representing a morphological strategy for the reproduction of the species. The Bidder's organ of Bufo ictericus was examined using routine and histochemical techniques by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Each Bidder's organ presented a typical ovarian morphology, being composed of a cortex and a medulla. Bidderian follicles in different stages of development were visualized in the cortex, where they are better developed. The germ cells exhibit a large oocyte with a round-shaped nucleus. The Bidderian follicles are supported by a loose net of reticular fibers. In the medullar region, collagen fibers were immersed in the matrix rich in blood vessels that also contained a small quantity of neutral glycoproteins rich in hexose and/or sialic acid and carboxylated polymers with a characteristic distribution of glycosaminoglycans. The oocyte and the follicular cells were separated by a narrow space containing microvilli. The oocyte exhibit a well developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a poorly developed Golgi apparatus, and occasional lysosomes. Concentric cisternal complexes are often visualized; however, their morphological significance remains unclear. The peroxisomes display a fine granular matrix without a crystalline core, with a weak 3,3′-diaminobenzidine-reaction. Intimate association between peroxisomes, peroxisomes and lipid inclusions was observed in the oocyte, suggesting its participation in yolk metabolism.     

The biomolecular alterations in cladonia convoluta in response to lead exposure

In this study, structural alterations in the biomolecular profile of the Cladonia convoluta exposed to lead were investigated considering the potential of lichens in biomonitoring practices. Particularly, qualitative and quantitative changes in the lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids along with various organic acids in lead-exposed lichen were analytically analyzed using infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the quantitative changes in chlorophyl and malondialdehyde levels were measured by independent biochemical assays. Chlorophyll content analysis revealed a dose- and time-dependent decrease in chlorophyl content, whereas malondialdehyde content analysis revealed lipid peroxidation as a result of lead exposure. Lead exposure diminished total nucleic acid quantity, which can be an important parameter for the elucidation of heavy metal tolerance mechanisms in lichens. Furthermore, lead exposure increased the quantity of usnic acid, signifying its importance in the lichen-based decontamination of metal polluted areas.     

Histology and ultrastructure of pericardial cells of Scaptotrigona postica Latreille (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in workers and queens of different ages

The paper presents a study of the pericardial cells of Scaptotrigona postica an eusocial Brazilian stingless bee. Light and electron microscopy was used in a comparative study on workers and queens of different ages, exerting different functions in the colony. The pericardial cells are found only in the pericardial sinus, mainly in groups around the dorsal vessel. Each cell is enclosed by the basal membrane and its peripheral region is characterized by folds of the plasma membrane, which form canals and loops. The points where the plasma membrane folds is frequently closed by diaphragms, that along with the basal lamina form a barrier to substances from hemolymph. Along the membrane limiting the canals and loops, an intense endocytic activity through coated vesicles takes place indicating a selective absorption of hemolymph components. In older individuals, workers or queens, the cells exhibit larger quantities of cytoplasm inclusions, heterogeneous vacuoles containing the final products of intracellular digestion, and autophagic vacuoles with concentric membranous structures. The pericardial cells general morphology is in accordance with the role in processing metabolites captured from hemolymph and storage of indigested residues.     

太湖藻及模型化合物的分级热解 (cited: 1)

以太湖藻为原料,通过分级热解来制备生物油,分别以棕榈酸、琼脂糖和蛋清粉模拟藻中的脂质、糖类和蛋白质,研究了藻分级热解生物油中主要组分的来源及热解过程中三大组分之间的相互作 用．结果表明,藻生物油中的烃类、十六酸及酯类均源自藻中脂质的热解,藻中蛋白质热解主要生成酚类、吲哚类、吡咯类和小分子酸;生物油中大部分的酰胺和腈类是脂质和蛋白质热解中间物相互作用的产物．藻组分中脂质和糖类的热解主要发生在473～573 K,而蛋白质的热解主要发生在523 K以上．藻生物油中仅有少量的糖类直接热解产物,可能是糖类热解产物在蛋白质热解产生的氨气等的作用下发生了聚合,使473和523 K所得生物油中有相当量的寡聚物;脂质与蛋白质的热解中间物相互作用生成了酰胺,酰胺再脱水又生成了腈类;而脂质与糖类之间相互作用不明显．     

A study of the effect of JB particles on Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) cells by Raman spectroscopy

The mechanism of interaction of particulate matter with living system is not completely understood. Evaluation of the effect of particulate Indian traditional medicine JB(JB) on Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) cells is the major focus of the present study. In India, JB is considered as a rejuvenating medicine and used for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and age‐related eye diseases, as well as a health promoting tonic by the traditional practitioners. In presence of JB, higher growth has been observed at the late stationary growth phase of yeast. Ultra‐structure analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has shown that JB‐treated yeast cells have better morphology over control in the late stationary growth phase. In this investigation, cellular response from yeast cells after interaction with JB particles was measured using Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy—a noninvasive tool to distinguish between particle‐treated and untreated cells—revealed that treatment with JB is able to slow the degradation of cellular components (e.g. DNA, proteins and lipids) with the aging of yeast cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Immobilisation and characterisation of the demineralised, fully hydrated organic matrix of nacre - An atomic force microscopy study

Mimicry of the tough natural composite nacre in future bioengineering requires knowledge of the biomineralisation process. The insoluble organic matrix isolated from the shell of the gastropod Haliotis laevigata was characterised by protein chemistry, topographical and mechanical measurements. Demineralisation of nacre in dilute acetic acid or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid revealed a set of soluble proteins and the insoluble matrix. The insoluble matrix contains a chitin core and firmly attached proteins, which could be removed by sodium dodecyl sulfate and glycerol indicating a hydrophobic interaction. Atomic force microscopy images of the native insoluble matrix showed a filamentous network with pores or holes, where the filaments showed globular attachments of different sizes, possibly the attached protein molecules. During direct observation of protein degradation imaged by atomic force microscopy the insoluble matrix gets smooth and flat indicating the removal of the attached proteins by proteases. We propose a model of protein coated chitin filaments for the insoluble matrix of nacre. Mechanical measurements by force mapping revealed a Young's modulus depending on the hydration state of the organic layers. The fully hydrated organic matrix has an elastic modulus below 1MPa comparable to some hydrogels.     

Organization of membrane-associated proteins in lipid bilayers

Lateral organization of proteins in biomembranes is vitally important to membrane functions such as signal transduction, endocytosis, and membrane trafficking. One of the major goals in current biomembrane science is to reveal the microscopic mechanism of membrane-associated protein organization in biomembranes. Here, we investigate the structural organization of membrane-associated proteins in lipid bilayers by combining self-consistent field theory with density functional theory. The present study can simultaneously take into account the entropy effect of lipids, depletion effect of membrane-associated proteins due to the presence of lipid headgroups as well as the effect of interfacial interaction. By varying the volume fraction of lipids, we examine various effects on protein organization, and reveal that a close-packed crystal structure appears at low lipid volume fractions due to interfacial energy and weak depletion effect, whereas a chain structure with branches occurs at high lipid volume fractions mainly due to strong depletion. The present results may provide some theoretical insight into further experiments on organization of membrane proteins.