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Ewart KM, Ho SYW, Chowdhury AA, Jaya FR, Kinjo Y, Bennett J, Bourguignon T, Rose HA, Lo N. Pervasive relaxed selection in termite genomes. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232439. [PMID: 38772424 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic changes that enabled the evolution of eusociality have long captivated biologists. More recently, attention has focussed on the consequences of eusociality on genome evolution. Studies have reported higher molecular evolutionary rates in eusocial hymenopteran insects compared with their solitary relatives. To investigate the genomic consequences of eusociality in termites, we analysed nine genomes, including newly sequenced genomes from three non-eusocial cockroaches. Using a phylogenomic approach, we found that termite genomes have experienced lower rates of synonymous substitutions than those of cockroaches, possibly as a result of longer generation times. We identified higher rates of non-synonymous substitutions in termite genomes than in cockroach genomes, and identified pervasive relaxed selection in the former (24-31% of the genes analysed) compared with the latter (2-4%). We infer that this is due to reductions in effective population size, rather than gene-specific effects (e.g. indirect selection of caste-biased genes). We found no obvious signature of increased genetic load in termites, and postulate efficient purging of deleterious alleles at the colony level. Additionally, we identified genomic adaptations that may underpin caste differentiation, such as genes involved in post-translational modifications. Our results provide insights into the evolution of termites and the genomic consequences of eusociality more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Ewart
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Y W Ho
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Al-Aabid Chowdhury
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frederick R Jaya
- Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Yukihiro Kinjo
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawa International University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Juno Bennett
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Harley A Rose
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Fujiwara K, Miyazaki S, Maekawa K. Candidate target genes of the male-specific expressed Doublesex in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299900. [PMID: 38427681 PMCID: PMC10906832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Eusocial insects such as termites, ants, bees, and wasps exhibit a reproductive division of labor. The developmental regulation of reproductive organ (ovaries and testes) is crucial for distinguishing between reproductive and sterile castes. The development of reproductive organ in insects is regulated by sex-determination pathways. The sex determination gene Doublesex (Dsx), encoding transcription factors, plays an important role in this pathway. Therefore, clarifying the function of Dsx in the developmental regulation of sexual traits is important to understand the social evolution of eusocial insects. However, no studies have reported the function of Dsx in hemimetabolous eusocial group termites. In this study, we searched for binding sites and candidate target genes of Dsx in species with available genome information as the first step in clarifying the function of Dsx in termites. First, we focused on the Reticulitermes speratus genome and identified 101 candidate target genes of Dsx. Using a similar method, we obtained 112, 39, and 76 candidate Dsx target genes in Reticulitermes lucifugus, Coptotermes formosanus, and Macrotermes natalensis, respectively. Second, we compared the candidate Dsx target genes between species and identified 37 common genes between R. speratus and R. lucifugus. These included several genes probably involved in spermatogenesis and longevity. However, only a few common target genes were identified between R. speratus and the other two species. Finally, Dsx dsRNA injection resulted in the differential expression of several target genes, including piwi-like protein and B-box type zinc finger protein ncl-1 in R. speratus. These results provide valuable resource data for future functional analyses of Dsx in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokuto Fujiwara
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miyazaki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tamagawa University, Machida, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
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3
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Liu F, Yu S, Chen N, Ren C, Li S. Nutrition- and hormone-controlled developmental plasticity in Blattodea. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 60:101128. [PMID: 37806339 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Blattodea, which includes cockroaches and termites, possesses high developmental plasticity that is mainly controlled by nutritional conditions and insect hormones. Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS), target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1), and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein complex are the three primary nutrition-responsive signals. Juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) constitute the two most vital insect hormones that might interact with each other through the Met, Kr-h1, E93 (MEKRE93) pathway. Nutritional and hormonal signals interconnect to create a complex regulatory network. Here we summarize recent progress in our understanding of how nutritional and hormonal signals coordinately control the developmental plasticity of metamorphosis, reproduction, and appendage regeneration in cockroaches as well as caste differentiation in termites. We also highlight several perspectives that should be further emphasized in the studies of developmental plasticity in Blattodea. This review provides a general landscape in the field of nutrition- and hormone-controlled developmental plasticity in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Shuxin Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Chonghua Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China.
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4
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Ramanathan N, Sreeramulu B, Mani M, Sundaram J. Potential of insect endogenous cellulases for lignocellulosic break down deciphered using molecular docking studies. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37967019 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2280169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Insects possess cellulolytic system capable of producing variegate enzymes with multifarious specificities to break down complex lignocellulosic products. Astonishingly, endoglucanases, exoglucanases and β-glycosidases act sequentially in a synergistic system to facilitate the breakdown of cellulose to utilisable energy source glucose. In silico docking studies of endo-β-1,4-glucanase from 19 different insects belonging to six different orders identified that it possesses high affinity for all the six substrates, including CMC, cellulose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, cellopentose and cellohexaose. Additionally, β-glucosidase from nearly all the reported insect sources also showed considerable affinity towards cellobiose. Van der Waals, conventional hydrogen bonds and carbon-hydrogen bonds stabilise the interaction between the enzyme and different substrates. Molecular dynamics simulations also held up the stability of various complexes. Efficient breakdown of lignocelluloses-based substrates becoming a major focus of industrial and academic communities worldwide, this study can perhaps complement the propensity of insect cellulases for prospected applications.
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Tasaki E, Mitaka Y, Takahashi Y, Waliullah ASM, Tamannaa Z, Sakamoto T, Islam A, Kamiya M, Sato T, Aramaki S, Kikushima K, Horikawa M, Nakamura K, Kahyo T, Takata M, Setou M, Matsuura K. The royal food of termites shows king and queen specificity. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad222. [PMID: 37457894 PMCID: PMC10338896 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Society in eusocial insects is based on the reproductive division of labor, with a small number of reproductive individuals supported by a large number of nonreproductive individuals. Because inclusive fitness of all colony members depends on the survival and fertility of reproductive members, sterile members provide royals with special treatment. Here, we show that termite kings and queens each receive special food of a different composition from workers. Sequential analysis of feeding processes demonstrated that workers exhibit discriminative trophallaxis, indicating their decision-making capacity in allocating food to the kings and queens. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry analyses of the stomodeal food and midgut contents revealed king- and queen-specific compounds, including diacylglycerols and short-chain peptides. Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging analyses of 13C-labeled termites identified phosphatidylinositol and acetyl-l-carnitine in the royal food. Comparison of the digestive tract structure showed remarkable differences in the volume ratio of the midgut-to-hindgut among castes, indicating that digestive division of labor underlies reproductive division of labor. Our demonstration of king- and queen-specific foods in termites provides insight into the nutritional system that underpins the extraordinary reproduction and longevity of royals in eusocial insects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - A S M Waliullah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Zinat Tamannaa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Takumi Sakamoto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Ariful Islam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masaki Kamiya
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tomohito Sato
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Shuhei Aramaki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Hamamatsu University Hospital, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- International Mass Imaging Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kenji Kikushima
- Present address: Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Makoto Horikawa
- Present address: Hiroshima Research Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
| | - Katsumasa Nakamura
- Department of Radiology, Hamamatsu University Hospital, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Kahyo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- International Mass Imaging Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Mamoru Takata
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Matsuura
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: (M.S.); (K.M.)
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da Silva IB, Costa-Leonardo AM. Functional Morphology and Development of the Colleterial Glands in Non- and Egg-Laying Females of the Pest Termite Coptotermes gestroi (Blattaria, Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae). MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:1277-1288. [PMID: 37749679 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Colleterial glands of female insects are accessory glands responsible for producing secretions associated with egg-laying. Within Dictyoptera, they synthesize compounds of the ootheca. However, their morphology and role in termites are poorly understood. Here, we compared the morphology, development, and secretory activity of the colleterial glands between non- and egg-laying females of the pest termite Coptotermes gestroi under light and transmission electron microscopy. We also provide the first description of these glands for Rhinotermitidae. The glands are paired, divided into anterior and posterior units, which join in a common duct via basal trunks. They are highly developed within egg-laying females, especially the posterior gland, secreting glycoproteins to lubricate the genital chamber and/or stick the eggs together. Ultrastructure revealed glandular epithelia composed of bicellular units of Class 3, whose secretory activity varied between groups and units. Posterior gland of egg-laying females showed richness of mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and secretory vesicles, including electron-dense secretory granules, indicating synthesis and transport of contents, especially proteins. The basal trunks were enfolded by muscles, supporting their role in conducting secretion. Morphophysiological modifications occur in the colleterial glands as females mature and lay eggs, and the mechanisms underlying the secretory cycle of the glands are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro SP 13.506-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro SP 13.506-900, Brazil
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7
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Fujiwara K, Karasawa A, Hanada T, Tobo M, Kaneko T, Usui M, Maekawa K. Caste-specific expressions and diverse roles of takeout genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8422. [PMID: 37225771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of novel functions caused by gene duplication may be important for termite social evolution. To clarify this possibility, additional evidence is needed. An important example is takeout, encoding juvenile hormone binding protein. We identified 25 takeouts in the termite Reticulitermes speratus genome. RNA-seq revealed that many genes were highly expressed in specific castes. Two novel paralogs (RsTO1, RsTO2) were tandemly aligned in the same scaffold. Real-time qPCR indicated that RsTO1 and RsTO2 were highly expressed in queens and soldiers, respectively. Moreover, the highest RsTO1 expression was observed in alates during queen formation. These patterns were different from vitellogenins, encoding egg-yolk precursors, which were highly expressed in queens than alates. In situ hybridization showed that RsTO1 mRNA was localized in the alate-frontal gland, indicating that RsTO1 binds with secretions probably used for the defence during swarming flight. In contrast, increased RsTO2 expression was observed approximately 1 week after soldier differentiation. Expression patterns of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, whose product functions in the terpenoid synthesis, were similar to RsTO2 expression. In situ hybridization indicated RsTO2-specific mRNA signals in the soldier-frontal gland. RsTO2 may interact with terpenoids, with a soldier-specific defensive function. It may provide additional evidence for functionalization after gene duplication in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokuto Fujiwara
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Akimi Karasawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Takumi Hanada
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Mutsuaki Tobo
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Tousuke Kaneko
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Mizuna Usui
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan.
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8
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Liu JL, Zhang JW, Han W, Wang YS, He SL, Wang ZQ. Advances in the understanding of Blattodea evolution: Insights from phylotranscriptomics and spermathecae. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 182:107753. [PMID: 36898488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Cockroaches, an ancient and diverse group of insects on earth that originated in the Carboniferous, displays a wide array of morphology or biology diversity. The spermatheca is an organ of the insect reproductive system; the diversity of spermathecae might be the adaption to different mating and sperm storage strategies. Yet a consensus about the phylogenetic relationships among the main lineages of Blattodea and the evolution of spermatheca has not been reached until now. Here we added the transcriptome data of Anaplectidae for the first time and supplemented other family level groups (such as Blaberidae, Corydiidae) to address the pending issues. Our results showed that Blattoidea was recovered as sister to Corydioidea, which was strongly supported by molecular evidence. In Blattoidea, (Lamproblattidae + Anaplectidae) + (Cryptocercidae + Termitoidae) was strongly supported by our molecular data. In Blaberoidea, Pseudophyllodromiidae and Blaberidae were recovered to be monophyletic, while Blattellidae was found to be paraphyletic with respect to Malaccina. Ectobius sylvestris + Malaccina discoidalis formed the sister group to other Blaberoidea; Blattellidae (except Malaccina discoidalis) + Nyctiboridae was found as the sister of Blaberidae. Corydiidae was recovered to be non-monophyletic due to the embedding of Nocticola sp. Our ASR analysis of spermatheca suggested that primary spermathecae were present in the common ancestor, and it transformed at least six times during the evolutionary history of Blattodea. The evolution of spermatheca could be described as a unidirectional trend: the increased size to accommodate more sperm. Furthermore, major splits within the existing genera of cockroaches occurred in the Upper Paleogene to Neogene. Our study provides strong support for the relationship among three superfamilies and offers some new insights into the phylogeny of cockroaches. Meanwhile, this study also provides basic knowledge on the evolution of spermathecae and reproductive patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lin Liu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jia-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wei Han
- Institute of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yi-Shu Wang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shu-Lin He
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Shapingba, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zong-Qing Wang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Sillam-Dussès D, Jandák V, Stiblik P, Delattre O, Chouvenc T, Balvín O, Cvačka J, Soulet D, Synek J, Brothánek M, Jiříček O, Engel MS, Bourguignon T, Šobotník J. Alarm communication predates eusociality in termites. Commun Biol 2023; 6:83. [PMID: 36681783 PMCID: PMC9867704 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04438-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) have evolved specialized defensive strategies for colony protection. Alarm communication enables workers to escape threats while soldiers are recruited to the source of disturbance. Here, we study the vibroacoustic and chemical alarm communication in the wood roach Cryptocercus and in 20 termite species including seven of the nine termite families, all life-types, and all feeding and nesting habits. Our multidisciplinary approach shows that vibratory alarm signals represent an ethological synapomorphy of termites and Cryptocercus. In contrast, chemical alarms have evolved independently in several cockroach groups and at least twice in termites. Vibroacoustic alarm signaling patterns are the most complex in Neoisoptera, in which they are often combined with chemical signals. The alarm characters correlate to phylogenetic position, food type and hardness, foraging area size, and nesting habits. Overall, species of Neoisoptera have developed the most sophisticated communication system amongst termites, potentially contributing to their ecological success.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sillam-Dussès
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Vojtěch Jandák
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stiblik
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Olivier Delattre
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Thomas Chouvenc
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314, USA
| | - Ondřej Balvín
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Cvačka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Delphine Soulet
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jiří Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Brothánek
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Jiříček
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 1501 Crestline Drive-Suite 140, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045, USA.
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic.
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10
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Yu G, Cao Y, He P, Li W, Wang J. Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Cryptotermes domesticus (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae): Genome description and phylogenetic implications. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 112:e21974. [PMID: 36205070 PMCID: PMC10078508 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The complete mitochondrial genome of Cryptotermes domesticus (Haviland) was sequenced and annotated to study its characteristics and the phylogenetic relationship of C. domesticus to other termite species. The mitogenome of C. domesticus is a circular, close, and double-stranded molecule with a length of 15,655 bp. The sequenced mitogenome contains 37 typical genes, which are highly conserved in gene size, organization, and codon usage. Transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) also have typical secondary structures. All of the 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) start with an ATN codon, except for nad4, which starts with GTG and terminates with the terminal codon TAA and TAG or the incomplete form T-- (cox2 and nad5). Most tRNAs have a typical cloverleaf structure, except for trnS1, in which this form is replaced by a simple loop and lacks the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. The nucleotide diversity (Pi) and nonsynonymous (Ka)/synonymous (Ks) mutation rate ratios indicate that nad1, cox1, and cox3 are the most conserved genes, and that cox1 has the lowest rate of evolution. In addition, an 89 bp repeated sequence was found in the A + T-rich region. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods based on 13 PCGs, and the monophyly of Kalotermitidae was supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Yu
- Department of Plant Protection, Laboratory of Invasion BiologyJiangxi Agricultural UniversityNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Yufeng Cao
- Department of Plant Protection, Laboratory of Invasion BiologyJiangxi Agricultural UniversityNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Peishan He
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Biological EngineeringJiangxi Agricultural Engineering CollegeZhangshuJiangxiChina
| | - Weijun Li
- Department of Plant Protection, Laboratory of Invasion BiologyJiangxi Agricultural UniversityNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, Laboratory of Invasion BiologyJiangxi Agricultural UniversityNanchangJiangxiChina
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11
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Yaguchi H, Suzuki S, Kanasaki N, Masuoka Y, Suzuki R, Suzuki RH, Hayashi Y, Shigenobu S, Maekawa K. Evolution and functionalization of vitellogenin genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2023; 340:68-80. [PMID: 35485990 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Eusociality has been commonly observed in distinct animal lineages. The reproductive division of labor is a particular feature, achieved by the coordination between fertile and sterile castes within the same nest. The sociogenomic approach in social hymenopteran insects indicates that vitellogenin (Vg) has undergone neo-functionalization in sterile castes. Here, to know whether Vgs have distinct roles in nonreproductive castes in termites, we investigated the unique characteristics of Vgs in the rhinotermitid termite Reticulitermes speratus. The four Vgs were identified from R. speratus (RsVg1-4), and RsVg3 sequences were newly identified using the RACE method. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the monophyly of the four termite Vgs. Moreover, the termites Vg1-3 and Vg4 were positioned in two different clades. The dN/dS ratios indicated that the branch leading to the common ancestor of termite Vg4 was under weak purifying selection. Expression analyses among castes (reproductives, workers, and soldiers) and females (nymphs, winged alates, and queens) showed that RsVg1-3 was highly expressed in fertile queens. In contrast, RsVg4 was highly expressed in workers and female nonreproductives (nymphs and winged adults). Localization of RsVg4 messenger RNA was confirmed in the fat body of worker heads and abdomens. These results suggest that Vg genes are functionalized after gene duplication during termite eusocial transition and that Vg4 is involved in nonreproductive roles in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Yaguchi
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan.,Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shogo Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Naoto Kanasaki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yudai Masuoka
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan.,Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryouhei H Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
| | | | - Shuji Shigenobu
- NIBB Research Core Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, Japan
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12
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Coevolution of Metabolic Pathways in Blattodea and Their Blattabacterium Endosymbionts, and Comparisons with Other Insect-Bacteria Symbioses. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0277922. [PMID: 36094208 PMCID: PMC9603385 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02779-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many insects harbor bacterial endosymbionts that supply essential nutrients and enable their hosts to thrive on a nutritionally unbalanced diet. Comparisons of the genomes of endosymbionts and their insect hosts have revealed multiple cases of mutually-dependent metabolic pathways that require enzymes encoded in 2 genomes. Complementation of metabolic reactions at the pathway level has been described for hosts feeding on unbalanced diets, such as plant sap. However, the level of collaboration between symbionts and hosts that feed on more variable diets is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated amino acid and vitamin/cofactor biosynthetic pathways in Blattodea, which comprises cockroaches and termites, and their obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti (hereafter Blattabacterium). In contrast to other obligate symbiotic systems, we found no clear evidence of "collaborative pathways" for amino acid biosynthesis in the genomes of these taxa, with the exception of collaborative arginine biosynthesis in 2 taxa, Cryptocercus punctulatus and Mastotermes darwiniensis. Nevertheless, we found that several gaps specific to Blattabacterium in the folate biosynthetic pathway are likely to be complemented by their host. Comparisons with other insects revealed that, with the exception of the arginine biosynthetic pathway, collaborative pathways for essential amino acids are only observed in phloem-sap feeders. These results suggest that the host diet is an important driving factor of metabolic pathway evolution in obligate symbiotic systems. IMPORTANCE The long-term coevolution between insects and their obligate endosymbionts is accompanied by increasing levels of genome integration, sometimes to the point that metabolic pathways require enzymes encoded in two genomes, which we refer to as "collaborative pathways". To date, collaborative pathways have only been reported from sap-feeding insects. Here, we examined metabolic interactions between cockroaches, a group of detritivorous insects, and their obligate endosymbiont, Blattabacterium, and only found evidence of collaborative pathways for arginine biosynthesis. The rarity of collaborative pathways in cockroaches and Blattabacterium contrasts with their prevalence in insect hosts feeding on phloem-sap. Our results suggest that host diet is a factor affecting metabolic integration in obligate symbiotic systems.
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13
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Gunter F, Oldeland J, Picker MD, Henschel JR, Jürgens N. Cryptic subterranean diversity: regional phylogeography of the sand termite Psammotermes allocerus Silvestri, 1908 in the wider Namib region. ORG DIVERS EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-022-00580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPsammotermes allocerus Silvestri, 1908 is the only described species representing the genus Psammotermes Desneux, 1902 in Southern Africa. The large geographical range of this subterranean termite covers both summer and winter rainfall regimes. Deadwood is the preferred food when available, but in more arid habitats, both live and dead grasses form the major dietary component. Along the Namib Desert margins, the species’ localised herbivory creates circular bare patches known as fairy circles. For a regional phylogeographic study of this species, we sampled 65 sand termite populations within drier parts of Namibia, South Africa, and Angola. Based on combined molecular and ecological data, we found considerable genetic diversification within P. allocerus. Analyses of two mitochondrial markers (COI, COII), including a Bayesian inference tree, haplotype analysis and genetic distances suggest a delineation into seven highly differentiated genetic groups. The ‘Succulent Karoo’ group is additionally characterised by unique features of the royal chamber, nest and tunnel system. In conclusion, our data suggest that P. allocerus should be not regarded as one species but as a species complex. Termites of each analysed group ‘Northern Namib’, ‘Western Kalahari Basin’, ‘Nama’, ‘Southwestern Kalahari’, ‘East Gariep’, ‘Southern Namib’ and ‘Succulent Karoo’ should be considered as distinct species. The species name P. allocerus should be used for termites of the ‘Succulent Karoo’.
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14
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Li H, Greening C. Termite-engineered microbial communities of termite nest structures: a new dimension to the extended phenotype. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6631553. [PMID: 35790132 PMCID: PMC9779920 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Termites are a prototypical example of the 'extended phenotype' given their ability to shape their environments by constructing complex nesting structures and cultivating fungus gardens. Such engineered structures provide termites with stable, protected habitats, and nutritious food sources, respectively. Recent studies have suggested that these termite-engineered structures harbour Actinobacteria-dominated microbial communities. In this review, we describe the composition, activities, and consequences of microbial communities associated with termite mounds, other nests, and fungus gardens. Culture-dependent and culture-independent studies indicate that these structures each harbour specialized microbial communities distinct from those in termite guts and surrounding soils. Termites select microbial communities in these structures through various means: opportunistic recruitment from surrounding soils; controlling physicochemical properties of nesting structures; excreting hydrogen, methane, and other gases as bacterial energy sources; and pretreating lignocellulose to facilitate fungal cultivation in gardens. These engineered communities potentially benefit termites by producing antimicrobial compounds, facilitating lignocellulose digestion, and enhancing energetic efficiency of the termite 'metaorganism'. Moreover, mound-associated communities have been shown to be globally significant in controlling emissions of methane and enhancing agricultural fertility. Altogether, these considerations suggest that the microbiomes selected by some animals extend much beyond their bodies, providing a new dimension to the 'extended phenotype'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Li
- Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211. China. E-mail:
| | - Chris Greening
- Corresponding author. Department of Microbiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia. E-mail:
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15
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Arora J, Kinjo Y, Šobotník J, Buček A, Clitheroe C, Stiblik P, Roisin Y, Žifčáková L, Park YC, Kim KY, Sillam-Dussès D, Hervé V, Lo N, Tokuda G, Brune A, Bourguignon T. The functional evolution of termite gut microbiota. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:78. [PMID: 35624491 PMCID: PMC9137090 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Termites primarily feed on lignocellulose or soil in association with specific gut microbes. The functioning of the termite gut microbiota is partly understood in a handful of wood-feeding pest species but remains largely unknown in other taxa. We intend to fill this gap and provide a global understanding of the functional evolution of termite gut microbiota. RESULTS We sequenced the gut metagenomes of 145 samples representative of the termite diversity. We show that the prokaryotic fraction of the gut microbiota of all termites possesses similar genes for carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolisms, in proportions varying with termite phylogenetic position and diet. The presence of a conserved set of gut prokaryotic genes implies that essential nutritional functions were present in the ancestor of modern termites. Furthermore, the abundance of these genes largely correlated with the host phylogeny. Finally, we found that the adaptation to a diet of soil by some termite lineages was accompanied by a change in the stoichiometry of genes involved in important nutritional functions rather than by the acquisition of new genes and pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that the composition and function of termite gut prokaryotic communities have been remarkably conserved since termites first appeared ~ 150 million years ago. Therefore, the "world's smallest bioreactor" has been operating as a multipartite symbiosis composed of termites, archaea, bacteria, and cellulolytic flagellates since its inception. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigyasa Arora
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Yukihiro Kinjo
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Buček
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Crystal Clitheroe
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Petr Stiblik
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yves Roisin
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucia Žifčáková
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Yung Chul Park
- Division of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Yoon Kim
- Division of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, LEEC, UR 4443, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Vincent Hervé
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Gaku Tokuda
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Andreas Brune
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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16
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Maekawa K, Hayashi Y, Lo N. Termite sociogenomics: evolution and regulation of caste-specific expressed genes. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100880. [PMID: 35123120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Termite genomes have been sequenced in at least five species from four different families. Genome-based transcriptome analyses have identified large numbers of protein-coding genes with caste-specific expression patterns. These genes include those involved in caste-specific morphologies and roles, for example high fecundity and longevity in reproductives. Some caste-specific expressed genes belong to multi-gene families, and their genetic architecture and expression profiles indicate they have evolved via tandem gene duplication. Candidate regulatory mechanisms of caste-specific expression include epigenetic regulation (e.g. histone modification and non-coding RNA) and diversification of transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements. We review current knowledge in the area of termite sociogenomics, focussing on the evolution and regulation of caste-specific expressed genes, and discuss future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoto Maekawa
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Hayashi
- Department of Biology, Keio University, Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223-8521, Japan
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, NSW, Australia
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17
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Beránková T, Buček A, Bourguignon T, Arias JR, Akama PD, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. The ultrastructure of the intramandibular gland in soldiers of the termite Machadotermes rigidus (Blattodea: Termitidae: Apicotermitinae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 67:101136. [PMID: 35152166 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2021.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Machadotermes is one of the basal Apicotermitinae genera, living in tropical West Africa. Old observations suggested the presence of a new gland, the intramandibular gland, in Machadotermes soldiers. Here, by combining micro-computed tomography, optical and electron microscopy, we showed that the gland exists in Machadotermes soldiers only as an active exocrine organ, consisting of numerous class III cells (bicellular units made of secretory and canal cells), within which the secretion is produced in rough endoplasmic reticulum, and modified and stored in Golgi apparatus. The final secretion is released out from the body through epicuticular canals running through the mandible cuticle to the exterior. We also studied three other Apicotermitinae, Indotermes, Duplidentitermes, and Jugositermes, in which this gland is absent. We speculate that the secretion of this gland may be used as a general protectant or antimicrobial agent. In addition, we observed that the frontal gland, a specific defensive organ in termites, is absent in Machadotermes soldiers while it is tiny in Indotermes soldiers and small in Duplidentitermes and Jugositermes soldiers. At last, we could also observe in all these species the labral, mandibular and labial glands, other exocrine glands present in all termite species studied so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Beránková
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Buček
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Johanna Romero Arias
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pierre D Akama
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, LEEC, UR 4443, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
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18
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The Genome of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae): Adaptation for Success. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030446. [PMID: 35328000 PMCID: PMC8956072 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), is a major global pest of cereal grains. Infestations are difficult to control as larvae feed inside grain kernels, and many populations are resistant to both contact insecticides and fumigants. We sequenced the genome of R. dominica to identify genes responsible for important biological functions and develop more targeted and efficacious management strategies. The genome was assembled from long read sequencing and long-range scaffolding technologies. The genome assembly is 479.1 Mb, close to the predicted genome size of 480.4 Mb by flow cytometry. This assembly is among the most contiguous beetle assemblies published to date, with 139 scaffolds, an N50 of 53.6 Mb, and L50 of 4, indicating chromosome-scale scaffolds. Predicted genes from biologically relevant groups were manually annotated using transcriptome data from adults and different larval tissues to guide annotation. The expansion of carbohydrase and serine peptidase genes suggest that they combine to enable efficient digestion of cereal proteins. A reduction in the copy number of several detoxification gene families relative to other coleopterans may reflect the low selective pressure on these genes in an insect that spends most of its life feeding internally. Chemoreceptor genes contain elevated numbers of pseudogenes for odorant receptors that also may be related to the recent ontogenetic shift of R. dominica to a diet consisting primarily of stored grains. Analysis of repetitive sequences will further define the evolution of bostrichid beetles compared to other species. The data overall contribute significantly to coleopteran genetic research.
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19
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Of Cockroaches and Symbionts: Recent Advances in the Characterization of the Relationship between Blattella germanica and Its Dual Symbiotic System. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020290. [PMID: 35207577 PMCID: PMC8878154 DOI: 10.3390/life12020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutualistic stable symbioses are widespread in all groups of eukaryotes, especially in insects, where symbionts have played an essential role in their evolution. Many insects live in obligate relationship with different ecto- and endosymbiotic bacteria, which are needed to maintain their hosts’ fitness in their natural environment, to the point of even relying on them for survival. The case of cockroaches (Blattodea) is paradigmatic, as both symbiotic systems coexist in the same organism in two separated compartments: an intracellular endosymbiont (Blattabacterium) inside bacteriocytes located in the fat body, and a rich and complex microbiota in the hindgut. The German cockroach Blattella germanica is a good model for the study of symbiotic interactions, as it can be maintained in the laboratory in controlled populations, allowing the perturbations of the two symbiotic systems in order to study the communication and integration of the tripartite organization of the host–endosymbiont–microbiota, and to evaluate the role of symbiotic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in host control over their symbionts. The importance of cockroaches as reservoirs and transmission vectors of antibiotic resistance sequences, and their putative interest to search for AMPs to deal with the problem, is also discussed.
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20
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Mizumoto N, Bourguignon T. The evolution of body size in termites. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211458. [PMID: 34784763 PMCID: PMC8596001 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Termites are social cockroaches. Because non-termite cockroaches are larger than basal termite lineages, which themselves include large termite species, it has been proposed that termites experienced a unidirectional body size reduction since they evolved eusociality. However, the validity of this hypothesis remains untested in a phylogenetic framework. Here, we reconstructed termite body size evolution using head width measurements of 1638 modern and fossil termite species. We found that the unidirectional body size reduction model was only supported by analyses excluding fossil species. Analyses including fossil species suggested that body size diversified along with speciation events and estimated that the size of the common ancestor of modern termites was comparable to that of modern species. Our analyses further revealed that body size variability among species, but not body size reduction, is associated with features attributed to advanced termite societies. Our results suggest that miniaturization took place at the origin of termites, while subsequent complexification of termite societies did not lead to further body size reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Mizumoto
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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21
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Tihelka E, Cai C, Giacomelli M, Lozano-Fernandez J, Rota-Stabelli O, Huang D, Engel MS, Donoghue PCJ, Pisani D. The evolution of insect biodiversity. Curr Biol 2021; 31:R1299-R1311. [PMID: 34637741 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Insects comprise over half of all described animal species. Together with the Protura (coneheads), Collembola (springtails) and Diplura (two-pronged bristletails), insects form the Hexapoda, a terrestrial arthropod lineage characterised by possessing six legs. Exponential growth of genome-scale data for the hexapods has substantially altered our understanding of the origin and evolution of insect biodiversity. Phylogenomics has provided a new framework for reconstructing insect evolutionary history, resolving their position among the arthropods and some long-standing internal controversies such as the placement of the termites, twisted-winged insects, lice and fleas. However, despite the greatly increased size of phylogenomic datasets, contentious relationships among key insect clades remain unresolved. Further advances in insect phylogeny cannot rely on increased depth and breadth of genome and taxon sequencing. Improved modelling of the substitution process is fundamental to countering tree-reconstruction artefacts, while gene content, modelling of duplications and deletions, and comparative morphology all provide complementary lines of evidence to test hypotheses emerging from the analysis of sequence data. Finally, the integration of molecular and morphological data is key to the incorporation of fossil species within insect phylogeny. The emerging integrated framework of insect evolution will help explain the origins of insect megadiversity in terms of the evolution of their body plan, species diversity and ecology. Future studies of insect phylogeny should build upon an experimental, hypothesis-driven approach where the robustness of hypotheses generated is tested against increasingly realistic evolutionary models as well as complementary sources of phylogenetic evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Tihelka
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, and Centre for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China.
| | - Chenyang Cai
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, and Centre for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China.
| | | | - Jesus Lozano-Fernandez
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Omar Rota-Stabelli
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all Adige, Italy; Center Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, 38010 San Michele all Adige, Italy
| | - Diying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, and Centre for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | | | - Davide Pisani
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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22
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Bhardwaj N, Kumar B, Agrawal K, Verma P. Current perspective on production and applications of microbial cellulases: a review. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2021; 8:95. [PMID: 38650192 PMCID: PMC10992179 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-021-00447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of cellulolytic enzymes has been widely studied and explored for bioconversion processes and plays a key role in various industrial applications. Cellulase, a key enzyme for cellulose-rich waste feedstock-based biorefinery, has increasing demand in various industries, e.g., paper and pulp, juice clarification, etc. Also, there has been constant progress in developing new strategies to enhance its production, such as the application of waste feedstock as the substrate for the production of individual or enzyme cocktails, process parameters control, and genetic manipulations for enzyme production with enhanced yield, efficiency, and specificity. Further, an insight into immobilization techniques has also been presented for improved reusability of cellulase, a critical factor that controls the cost of the enzyme at an industrial scale. In addition, the review also gives an insight into the status of the significant application of cellulase in the industrial sector, with its techno-economic analysis for future applications. The present review gives a complete overview of current perspectives on the production of microbial cellulases as a promising tool to develop a sustainable and greener concept for industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Bhardwaj
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400019, India
| | - Bikash Kumar
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Komal Agrawal
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India.
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Bayen S, Roy S, Chakraborti D, Mukhopadhyay A, Hazarika LK, Pramanik P, Borchetia S, Mukherjee S. Mutualistic relation of termites with associated microbes for their harmonious survival. Symbiosis 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-021-00809-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Miyazaki S, Fujiwara K, Kai K, Masuoka Y, Gotoh H, Niimi T, Hayashi Y, Shigenobu S, Maekawa K. Evolutionary transition of doublesex regulation from sex-specific splicing to male-specific transcription in termites. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15992. [PMID: 34362973 PMCID: PMC8346542 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95423-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex determination gene doublesex (dsx) encodes a transcription factor with two domains, oligomerization domain 1 (OD1) and OD2, and is present throughout insects. Sex-specific Dsx splicing isoforms regulate the transcription of target genes and trigger sex differentiation in all Holometabola examined to date. However, in some hemimetabolous insects, dsx is not spliced sexually and its sequence is less conserved. Here, to elucidate evolutionary changes in dsx in domain organisation and regulation in termites, we searched genome and/or transcriptome databases for the dsx OD1 and OD2 in seven termite species and their sister group (Cryptocercus woodroaches). Molecular phylogenetic and synteny analyses identified OD1 sequences of termites and C. punctulatus that clustered with dsx of Holometabola and regarded them as dsx orthologues. The Cryptocercus dsx orthologue containing OD2 was spliced sexually, as previously shown in other insects. However, OD2 was not found in all termite dsx orthologues. These orthologues were encoded by a single exon in three termites for which genome information is available; they were not alternatively spliced but transcribed in a male-specific manner in two examined species. Evolution of dsx regulation from sex-specific splicing to male-specific transcription may have occurred at an early stage of social evolution in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Miyazaki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tamagawa University, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8610, Japan.
| | - Kokuto Fujiwara
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Keima Kai
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Yudai Masuoka
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan.,Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8634, Japan
| | - Hiroki Gotoh
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Niimi
- Division of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Hayashi
- Department of Biology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8521, Japan
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.,NIBB Research Core Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Gofuku, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan.
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25
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Campanini EB, Pedrino M, Martins LA, Athaide Neta OS, Carazzolle MF, Ciancaglini I, Malavazi I, Costa-Leonardo AM, de Melo Freire CC, Nunes FMF, da Cunha AF. Expression profiles of neotropical termites reveal microbiota-associated, caste-biased genes and biotechnological targets. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:152-164. [PMID: 33247845 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Termites are well recognized by their complex development trajectories, involving dynamic differentiation process between non-reproductive castes, workers and soldiers. These insects are associated with endosymbiotic microorganisms, which help in lignocellulose digestion and nitrogen metabolism. Aiming to identify genes harbouring biotechnological potential, we analyzed workers and soldiers RNA-Seq data of three neotropical termites: Heterotermes tenuis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), Velocitermes heteropterus (Isoptera: Termitidae) and Cornitermes cumulans (Isoptera: Termitidae). We observed differences in the microbiota associated with each termite family, and found protists' genes in both Termitidae species. We found an opposite pattern of caste-biased gene expression between H. tenuis and the termitids studied. Moreover, the two termitids are considerably different concerning the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional annotation indicated considerable differences in caste-biased gene content between V. heteropterus and C. cumulans, even though they share similar diet and biological niche. Among the most DEGs, we highlighted those involved in caste differentiation and cellulose digestion, which are attractive targets for studying more efficient technologies for termite control, biomass digestion and other biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Campanini
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - M Pedrino
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - L A Martins
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - O S Athaide Neta
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - M F Carazzolle
- Departamento de Genética, Evolução, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - I Ciancaglini
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - I Malavazi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - A M Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), campus de Rio Claro, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - C C de Melo Freire
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - F M F Nunes
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - A F da Cunha
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
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26
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Ahn HH, Kim TJ. Three endogenous cellulases from termite, Reticulitermes speratus KMT001. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 106:e21766. [PMID: 33590531 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Among termites, lower termites need symbiotic microorganisms in the digestive tract for digestion and cellulose metabolism. In this symbiotic relationship, the decomposition of cellulose is initiated by endoglucanase in termite salivary glands and completed by β-glycosidase of symbiotic microorganisms in the hindgut. The expression of β-glycosidase in lower termites has been reported in recent studies. The expression of two endoglucanases and one β-glycosidase gene related to cellulose degradation was identified in Reticulitermes speratus, a lower termite, through transcriptomic analysis. The proposed enzyme activities of three identified cellulose degradation genes were confirmed by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. In addition to the endoglucanase expressed in the salivary gland, additional endoglucanase and β-glycosidase genes suggest that R. speratus performs the overall cellulose digestion using its own enzymes at all stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Hoon Ahn
- Department of Forest Products and Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Jong Kim
- Department of Forest Products and Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea
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27
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Chouvenc T, Šobotník J, Engel MS, Bourguignon T. Termite evolution: mutualistic associations, key innovations, and the rise of Termitidae. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2749-2769. [PMID: 33388854 PMCID: PMC11071720 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03728-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Termites are a clade of eusocial wood-feeding roaches with > 3000 described species. Eusociality emerged ~ 150 million years ago in the ancestor of modern termites, which, since then, have acquired and sometimes lost a series of adaptive traits defining of their evolution. Termites primarily feed on wood, and digest cellulose in association with their obligatory nutritional mutualistic gut microbes. Recent advances in our understanding of termite phylogenetic relationships have served to provide a tentative timeline for the emergence of innovative traits and their consequences on the ecological success of termites. While all "lower" termites rely on cellulolytic protists to digest wood, "higher" termites (Termitidae), which comprise ~ 70% of termite species, do not rely on protists for digestion. The loss of protists in Termitidae was a critical evolutionary step that fostered the emergence of novel traits, resulting in a diversification of morphology, diets, and niches to an extent unattained by "lower" termites. However, the mechanisms that led to the initial loss of protists and the succession of events that took place in the termite gut remain speculative. In this review, we provide an overview of the key innovative traits acquired by termites during their evolution, which ultimately set the stage for the emergence of "higher" termites. We then discuss two hypotheses concerning the loss of protists in Termitidae, either through an externalization of the digestion or a dietary transition. Finally, we argue that many aspects of termite evolution remain speculative, as most termite biological diversity and evolutionary trajectories have yet to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Chouvenc
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, Ft Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, FL, USA.
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 1501 Crestline Drive, Suite 140, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan.
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28
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Revely L, Sumner S, Eggleton P. The Plasticity and Developmental Potential of Termites. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.552624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity provides organisms with the potential to adapt to their environment and can drive evolutionary innovations. Developmental plasticity is environmentally induced variation in phenotypes during development that arise from a shared genomic background. Social insects are useful models for studying the mechanisms of developmental plasticity, due to the phenotypic diversity they display in the form of castes. However, the literature has been biased toward the study of developmental plasticity in the holometabolous social insects (i.e., bees, wasps, and ants); the hemimetabolous social insects (i.e., the termites) have received less attention. Here, we review the phenotypic complexity and diversity of termites as models for studying developmental plasticity. We argue that the current terminology used to define plastic phenotypes in social insects does not capture the diversity and complexity of these hemimetabolous social insects. We suggest that terminology used to describe levels of cellular potency could be helpful in describing the many levels of phenotypic plasticity in termites. Accordingly, we propose a conceptual framework for categorizing the changes in potential of individuals to express alternative phenotypes through the developmental life stages of termites. We compile from the literature an exemplar dataset on the phenotypic potencies expressed within and between species across the phylogeny of the termites and use this to illustrate how the potencies of different life stages of different species can be described using this framework. We highlight how this conceptual framework can help exploit the rich phenotypic diversity of termites to address fundamental questions about the evolution and mechanisms of developmental plasticity. This conceptual contribution is likely to have wider relevance to the study of other hemimetabolous insects, such as aphids and gall-forming thrips, and may even prove useful for some holometabolous social insects which have high caste polyphenism.
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29
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Reference gene selection for transcriptional profiling in Cryptocercus punctulatus, an evolutionary link between Isoptera and Blattodea. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22169. [PMID: 33335167 PMCID: PMC7746730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79030-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The subsocial life style and wood-feeding capability of Cryptocercus gives us an evolutionary key to unlock some outstanding questions in biology. With the advent of the Genomics Era, there is an unprecedented opportunity to address the evolution of eusociality and the acquisition of lignocellulases at the genetic level. However, to quantify gene expression, an appropriate normalization strategy is warranted to control for the non-specific variations among samples across different experimental conditions. To search for the internal references, 10 housekeeping genes from a gut transcriptome of a wood-feeding cockroach, Cryptocercus punctulatus, were selected as the candidates for the RT-qPCR analysis. The expression profiles of these candidates, including ACT, EF1α, GAPDH, HSP60, HSP70, αTUB, UBC, RPS18, ATPase and GST, were analyzed using a panel of analytical tools, including geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and comparative ΔCT method. RefFinder, a comprehensive ranking system integrating all four above-mentioned algorithms, rated ACT as the most stable reference gene for different developmental stages and tissues. Expression analysis of the target genes, Hex-1 and Cell-1, using the most or the least appropriate reference genes and a single or multiple normalizers signified this research. Our finding is the first step toward establishing a standardized RT-qPCR analysis in Cryptocercus.
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30
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Pequeno PACL, Graça MB, Oliveira JR, Šobotník J, Acioli ANS. Can shifts in metabolic scaling predict coevolution between diet quality and body size? Evolution 2020; 75:141-148. [PMID: 33196103 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Larger species tend to feed on abundant resources, which nonetheless have lower quality or degradability, the so-called Jarman-Bell principle. The "eat more" hypothesis posits that larger animals compensate for lower quality diets through higher consumption rates. If so, evolutionary shifts in metabolic scaling should affect the scope for this compensation, but whether this has happened is unknown. Here, we investigated this issue using termites, major tropical detritivores that feed along a humification gradient ranging from dead plant tissue to mineral soil. Metabolic scaling is shallower in termites with pounding mandibles adapted to soil-like substrates than in termites with grinding mandibles adapted to fibrous plant tissue. Accordingly, we predicted that only larger species of the former group should have more humified, lower quality diets, given their higher scope to compensate for such a diet. Using literature data on 65 termite species, we show that diet humification does increase with body size in termites with pounding mandibles, but is weakly related to size in termites with grinding mandibles. Our findings suggest that evolution of metabolic scaling may shape the strength of the Jarman-Bell principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A C L Pequeno
- Roraima Research Nucleus, National Institute for Amazonia Research, R. Cel. Pinto, 315, Centro, Boa Vista - RR, CEP:, 69301-150, Brazil
| | - Márlon B Graça
- Federal Institute for Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas, Estr. Coari Itapeua, s/n - Itamarati, Coari - AM, CEP:, 69460-000, Brazil
| | - João R Oliveira
- Entomology Program, National Institute for Amazonia Research, Av. André Araújo, 2.936, Petrópolis, Manaus - AM, CEP: 69067-375, Brazil
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Agno N S Acioli
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo Octavio Jordão Ramos, 1200, Coroado I, Manaus - AM, CEP: 69067-005, Brazil
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32
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Pull CD, McMahon DP. Superorganism Immunity: A Major Transition in Immune System Evolution. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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33
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Miura T, Maekawa K. The making of the defensive caste: Physiology, development, and evolution of the soldier differentiation in termites. Evol Dev 2020; 22:425-437. [PMID: 32291940 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Termites (Blattodea, Termitoidea, or Isoptera) constitute one of the major lineages of eusocial insects. In termite societies, multiple types of functional individuals, that is, castes, perform divisions of labors to coordinate social behaviors. Among other castes, the soldier caste is distinctive since it is sterile and exclusively specialized into defensive behavior with largely modified morphological features. Therefore, many of the previous studies have been focused on soldiers, in terms of ecology, behavior, and evolution as well as developmental and physiological mechanisms. This article overviews the accumulation of studies especially focusing on the developmental and physiological mechanisms underlying the soldier differentiation in termites. Furthermore, the evolutionary trajectories that have led the acquisition of soldier caste and have diversified the soldier characteristics in association with the social evolution are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Miura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Meusemann K, Korb J, Schughart M, Staubach F. No Evidence for Single-Copy Immune-Gene Specific Signals of Selection in Termites. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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35
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Shelomi M, Wipfler B, Zhou X, Pauchet Y. Multifunctional cellulase enzymes are ancestral in Polyneoptera. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 29:124-135. [PMID: 31449690 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many hemimetabolous insects produce their own cellulase enzymes from the glycoside hydrolase family 9, first observed in termites and cockroaches. Phasmatodea have multiple cellulases, some of which are multifunctional and can degrade xylan or xyloglucan. To discover when these abilities evolved, we identified cellulases from the Polyneoptera sampled by the 1000 Insect Transcriptome and Evolution (1KITE) project, including all cockroach and termite transcriptomes. We hoped to identify what role enzyme substrate specificities had in the evolution of dietary specification, such as leaf-feeding or wood-feeding. Putative cellulases were identified from the transcriptomes and analysed phylogenetically. All cellulases were amplified from an exemplar set of Polyneoptera species using rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR and heterologously expressed in an insect cell line, then tested against different polysaccharides for their digestive abilities. We identified several multifunctional xyloglucanolytic enzymes across Polyneoptera, plus a large group of cellulase-like enzymes found in nearly all insect orders with no discernible digestive ability. Multifunctional xylanolytic cellulases remain unique to Phasmatodea. The presence or absence of multifunctional enzymes does not impact dietary specification, but rather having multiple, multifunctional cellulase genes is an ancestral state for Polyneoptera and possibly Insecta. The prevalence of multifunctional cellulases in other animals demands further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shelomi
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - B Wipfler
- Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany
| | - X Zhou
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Y Pauchet
- Department of Entomology, Max-Planck Institute für chemische Ökologie, Jena, Germany
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36
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Zhao Z, Yin X, Shih C, Gao T, Ren D. Termite colonies from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar demonstrate their early eusocial lifestyle in damp wood. Natl Sci Rev 2020; 7:381-390. [PMID: 34692054 PMCID: PMC8288961 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect eusociality is characterized by cooperative brood care, reproductive division of labour and multiple generations of adults within a colony. The morphological specializations of the different termite castes from Burmese amber were recently reported, indicating the termites possessed advanced sociality in the mid-Cretaceous. Unfortunately, all the reported Cretaceous termites are individually preserved, which does not cover the behaviours of the cooperative brood care and multiple generations of adults in the nests of the Cretaceous termites. Herein, we report three eusocial aggregations from colonies of the oldest known Stolotermitidae, Cosmotermes gen. nov., in 100 Ma mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. One large aggregation, comprising 8 soldiers, 56 workers/pseudergates and 25 immatures of different instars, additionally presents the behaviours of cooperative brood care and overlapping generations. Furthermore, taphonomic evidence indicates Cosmotermes most probably dwelled in damp/rotting wood, which provides a broader horizon of the early societies and ecology of the eusocial Cosmotermes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiangchu Yin
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
| | - Chungkun Shih
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Paleobiology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013–7012, USA
| | - Taiping Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Dong Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
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37
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Laranjo LT, da Silva IB, Costa-Leonardo AM. Development and comparative morphology of the reproductive system in different aged males of the drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Blattaria, Isoptera, Kalotermitidae). PROTOPLASMA 2020; 257:31-42. [PMID: 31321554 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-019-01417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Termites are eusocial cockroaches, which have received great attention due to their diversity of reproductive strategies. Although these novelties allow new interpretations concerning the mating biology of these insects, studies highlighting the structure of the reproductive system are limited to some termite lineages. Here we provide the first comparative analysis of the reproductive system of a drywood termite, using different aged males of Cryptotermes brevis as models. This species represents an important structural pest in tropical regions, and most aspects of its reproductive biology remain unknown, especially on males. The reproductive apparatus of C. brevis is equipped with paired testes, composed of seven testicular lobes, in which developing spermatozoa are located. The basal portion of the lobes connects to the vasa deferentia and transport spermatozoa to a pair of enlarged chambers, the seminal vesicles. These structures join in a median ejaculatory duct, which opens to the external region through a retractile penis. Spermatozoa were observed in all C. brevis males, exhibiting elongated morphology and measuring about 10 μm in length/4 μm in width. Compared with last-instar nymphs and alates, functional kings showed enlarged testes and seminal vesicles, as well as an intense secretory activity towards the lumen of the latter structures. Histochemical tests evidenced strongly PAS and xylidine Ponceau positive reactions of the secretion only in functional kings, indicating the occurrence of glycoproteins. Thus, we suggest that morphophysiological changes establish during the maturation of the reproductive system in C. brevis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Teixeira Laranjo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP, Av. 24A, No. 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Iago Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP, Av. 24A, No. 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP, Av. 24A, No. 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil.
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Bucek A, Šobotník J, He S, Shi M, McMahon DP, Holmes EC, Roisin Y, Lo N, Bourguignon T. Evolution of Termite Symbiosis Informed by Transcriptome-Based Phylogenies. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3728-3734.e4. [PMID: 31630948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.08.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Termitidae comprises ∼80% of all termite species [1] that play dominant decomposer roles in tropical ecosystems [2, 3]. Two major events during termite evolution were the loss of cellulolytic gut protozoans in the ancestor of Termitidae and the subsequent gain in the termitid subfamily Macrotermitinae of fungal symbionts cultivated externally in "combs" constructed within the nest [4, 5]. How these symbiotic transitions occurred remains unresolved. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial data previously suggested that Macrotermitinae is the earliest branching termitid lineage, followed soon after by Sphaerotermitinae [6], which cultivates bacterial symbionts on combs inside its nests [7]. This has led to the hypothesis that comb building was an important evolutionary step in the loss of gut protozoa in ancestral termitids [8]. We sequenced genomes and transcriptomes of 55 termite species and reconstructed phylogenetic trees from up to 4,065 orthologous genes of 68 species. We found strong support for a novel sister-group relationship between the bacterial comb-building Sphaerotermitinae and fungus comb-building Macrotermitinae. This key finding indicates that comb building is a derived trait within Termitidae and that the creation of a comb-like "external rumen" involving bacteria or fungi may not have driven the loss of protozoa from ancestral termitids, as previously hypothesized. Instead, associations with gut prokaryotic symbionts, combined with dietary shifts from wood to other plant-based substrates, may have played a more important role in this symbiotic transition. Our phylogenetic tree provides a platform for future studies of comparative termite evolution and the evolution of symbiosis in this taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Bucek
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 129, 16521 Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague, Czech Repubic.
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 129, 16521 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Shulin He
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 129, 16521 Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Strasse 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mang Shi
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Dino P McMahon
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Strasse 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yves Roisin
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, CP 160/12, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 129, 16521 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Wang L, Liao S, Liu M, Deng W, He J, Wang Z, Che Y. Chromosome number diversity in Asian Cryptocercus (Blattodea, Cryptocercidae) and implications for karyotype evolution and geographic distribution on the Western Sichuan Plateau. SYST BIODIVERS 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2019.1659878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Shuran Liao
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Minglun Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Jiajun He
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Zongqing Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Yanli Che
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
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Palma-Onetto V, Pflegerová J, Plarre R, Synek J, Cvačka J, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. The labral gland in termites: evolution and function. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Palma-Onetto
- University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, Villetaneuse, France
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Pflegerová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Rudy Plarre
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiří Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Cvačka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Kinjo Y, Bourguignon T, Tong KJ, Kuwahara H, Lim SJ, Yoon KB, Shigenobu S, Park YC, Nalepa CA, Hongoh Y, Ohkuma M, Lo N, Tokuda G. Parallel and Gradual Genome Erosion in the Blattabacterium Endosymbionts of Mastotermes darwiniensis and Cryptocercus Wood Roaches. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1622-1630. [PMID: 29860278 PMCID: PMC6022663 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost all examined cockroaches harbor an obligate intracellular endosymbiont, Blattabacterium cuenoti. On the basis of genome content, Blattabacterium has been inferred to recycle nitrogen wastes and provide amino acids and cofactors for its hosts. Most Blattabacterium strains sequenced to date harbor a genome of ∼630 kbp, with the exception of the termite Mastotermes darwiniensis (∼590 kbp) and Cryptocercus punctulatus (∼614 kbp), a representative of the sister group of termites. Such genome reduction may have led to the ultimate loss of Blattabacterium in all termites other than Mastotermes. In this study, we sequenced 11 new Blattabacterium genomes from three species of Cryptocercus in order to shed light on the genomic evolution of Blattabacterium in termites and Cryptocercus. All genomes of Cryptocercus-derived Blattabacterium genomes were reduced (∼614 kbp), except for that associated with Cryptocercus kyebangensis, which comprised 637 kbp. Phylogenetic analysis of these genomes and their content indicates that Blattabacterium experienced parallel genome reduction in Mastotermes and Cryptocercus, possibly due to similar selective forces. We found evidence of ongoing genome reduction in Blattabacterium from three lineages of the C. punctulatus species complex, which independently lost one cysteine biosynthetic gene. We also sequenced the genome of the Blattabacterium associated with Salganea taiwanensis, a subsocial xylophagous cockroach that does not vertically transmit gut symbionts via proctodeal trophallaxis. This genome was 632 kbp, typical of that of nonsubsocial cockroaches. Overall, our results show that genome reduction occurred on multiple occasions in Blattabacterium, and is still ongoing, possibly because of new associations with gut symbionts in some lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Kinjo
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan.,Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan.,Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan.,Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kwei Jun Tong
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hirokazu Kuwahara
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sang Jin Lim
- Division of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Bae Yoon
- Division of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- National Institute for Basic Biology, NIBB Core Research Facilities, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Yung Chul Park
- Division of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Christine A Nalepa
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuichi Hongoh
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan.,Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moriya Ohkuma
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gaku Tokuda
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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A Crucial Caste Regulation Gene Detected by Comparing Termites and Sister Group Cockroaches. Genetics 2018; 209:1225-1234. [PMID: 29934338 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterile castes are a defining criterion of eusociality; investigating their evolutionary origins can critically advance theory. In termites, the soldier caste is regarded as the first acquired permanently sterile caste. Previous studies showed that juvenile hormone (JH) is the primary factor inducing soldier differentiation, and treatment of workers with artificial JH can generate presoldier differentiation. It follows that a shift from a typical hemimetabolous JH response might be required for soldier formation during the course of termite evolution within the cockroach clade. To address this possibility, analysis of the role of JH and its signaling pathway was performed in the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis and compared with the wood roach Cryptocercus punctulatus, a member of the sister group of termites. Treatment with a JH analog (JHA) induced a nymphal molt in C. punctulatus RNA interference (RNAi) of JH receptor Methoprene tolerant (Met) was then performed, and it inhibited the presoldier molt in Z. nevadensis and the nymphal molt in C. punctulatus Knockdown of Met in both species inhibited expression of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E; the active form of ecdysone) synthesis genes. However, in Z. nevadensis, several 20E signaling genes were specifically inhibited by Met RNAi. Consequently, RNAi of these genes were performed in JHA-treated termite individuals. Knockdown of 20E signaling and nuclear receptor gene, Hormone receptor 39 (HR39/FTZ-F1β) resulted in newly molted individuals with normal worker phenotypes. This is the first report of the JH-Met signaling feature in termites and Cryptocercus JH-dependent molting activation is shared by both taxa and mediation between JH receptor and 20E signalings for soldier morphogenesis is specific to termites.
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Bourguignon T, Tang Q, Ho SYW, Juna F, Wang Z, Arab DA, Cameron SL, Walker J, Rentz D, Evans TA, Lo N. Transoceanic Dispersal and Plate Tectonics Shaped Global Cockroach Distributions: Evidence from Mitochondrial Phylogenomics. Mol Biol Evol 2018; 35:970-983. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msy013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bourguignon
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Qian Tang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Simon Y W Ho
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frantisek Juna
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zongqing Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Daej A Arab
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - James Walker
- Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - David Rentz
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Theodore A Evans
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Rosas T, García-Ferris C, Domínguez-Santos R, Llop P, Latorre A, Moya A. Rifampicin treatment of Blattella germanica evidences a fecal transmission route of their gut microbiota. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2018; 94:4794938. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Bai Q, Wang L, Wang Z, Lo N, Che Y. Exploring the diversity of Asian Cryptocercus (Blattodea : Cryptocercidae): species delimitation based on chromosome numbers, morphology and molecular analysis. INVERTEBR SYST 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/is17003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Woodroaches from the genus Cryptocercus Scudder, 1862 are known to display low levels of morphological divergence, yet significant genetic divergence and variability in chromosome number. Compared with Cryptocercus taxa from North America, the diversity of the genus in Asia has received relatively little attention. We performed morphological and karyotypic examinations of multiple taxa from several previously unsampled mountainous areas of central and south-western China, and identified nine candidate species primarily on the basis of chromosome number. We then investigated diversity across all Asian Cryptocercus, through phylogenetic analyses of 135 COI sequences and 74 28S rRNA sequences from individuals of 28 localities, including species delimitation analysis in General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD). Phylogenetic results indicated that individuals from the same locality constituted well supported clades. The congruence of GMYC and ABGD results were in almost perfect accord, with 28 candidate species described on the basis of karyotypes (including the nine identified in this study). We provide evidence that each valley population in the Hengduan Mountains contains a separate evolving lineage. We conclude that the principal cause of the rich Cryptocercus diversity in China has been the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
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Wu LW, Bourguignon T, Šobotník J, Wen P, Liang WR, Li HF. Phylogenetic position of the enigmatic termite family Stylotermitidae (Insecta : Blattodea). INVERTEBR SYST 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/is17093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Termites are eusocial insects currently classified into nine families, of which only Stylotermitidae has never been subjected to any molecular phylogenetic analysis. Stylotermitids present remarkable morphology and have the unique habit of feeding on living trees. We sequenced mitogenomes of five stylotermitid samples from China and Taiwan to reconstruct the phylogenetic position of Stylotermitidae. Our analyses placed Stylotermitidae as the sister group of all remaining Neoisoptera. The systematic position of Stylotermitidae calls for additional studies of their biology, including their developmental pathways and pheromone communication, which have the potential to change our understanding of termite evolution.
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Wu T, Dhami GK, Thompson GJ. Soldier‐biased gene expression in a subterranean termite implies functional specialization of the defensive caste. Evol Dev 2017; 20:3-16. [DOI: 10.1111/ede.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wu
- Biology DepartmentWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
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Wang Z, Shi Y, Qiu Z, Che Y, Lo N. Reconstructing the phylogeny of Blattodea: robust support for interfamilial relationships and major clades. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3903. [PMID: 28634362 PMCID: PMC5478607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cockroaches are among the most recognizable of all insects. In addition to their role as pests, they play a key ecological role as decomposers. Despite numerous studies of cockroach phylogeny in recent decades, relationships among most major lineages are yet to be resolved. Here we examine phylogenetic relationships among cockroaches based on five genes (mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, COII; nuclear 28S rRNA and histone H3), and infer divergence times on the basis of 8 fossils. We included in our analyses sequences from 52 new species collected in China, representing 7 families. These were combined with data from a recent study that examined these same genes from 49 species, resulting in a significant increase in taxa analysed. Three major lineages, Corydioidea, Blaberoidea, and Blattoidea were recovered, the latter comprising Blattidae, Tryonicidae, Lamproblattidae, Anaplectidae, Cryptocercidae and Isoptera. The estimated age of the split between Mantodea and Blattodea ranged from 204.3 Ma to 289.1 Ma. Corydioidea was estimated to have diverged 209.7 Ma (180.5-244.3 Ma 95% confidence interval [CI]) from the remaining Blattodea. The clade Blattoidea diverged from their sister group, Blaberoidea, around 198.3 Ma (173.1-229.1 Ma). The addition of the extra taxa in this study has resulted in significantly higher levels of support for a number of previously recognized groupings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqing Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Shi
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiwei Qiu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanli Che
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Yaguchi H, Hayashi Y, Tohoku T, Nalepa CA, Maekawa K. Genetic data indicate that most field-collected woodroach pairs are unrelated. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:522-526. [PMID: 27174379 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Yaguchi
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Hayashi
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tohoku
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Christine A Nalepa
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Major changes in microbial diversity and community composition across gut sections of a juvenile Panchlora cockroach. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177189. [PMID: 28545131 PMCID: PMC5436645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations of gut microbiomes have shed light on the diversity and genetic content of these communities, and helped shape our understanding of how host-associated microorganisms influence host physiology, behavior, and health. Despite the importance of gut microbes to metazoans, our understanding of the changes in diversity and composition across the alimentary tract, and the source of the resident community are limited. Here, using community metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we assess microbial community diversity and coding potential in the foregut, midgut, and hindgut of a juvenile Panchlora cockroach, which resides in the refuse piles of the leaf-cutter ant species Atta colombica. We found a significant shift in the microbial community structure and coding potential throughout the three gut sections of Panchlora sp., and through comparison with previously generated metagenomes of the cockroach’s food source and niche, we reveal that this shift in microbial community composition is influenced by the ecosystems in which Panchlora sp. occurs. While the foregut is composed of microbes that likely originate from the symbiotic fungus gardens of the ants, the midgut and hindgut are composed of a microbial community that is likely cockroach-specific. Analogous to mammalian systems, the midgut and hindgut appear to be dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes with the capacity for polysaccharide degradation, suggesting they may assist in the degradation of dietary plant material. Our work underscores the prominence of community changes throughout gut microbiomes and highlights ecological factors that underpin the structure and function of the symbiotic microbial communities of metazoans.
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