Genetics: Termite genome reveals genetic basis for social organisation
Nature Communications
May 21, 2014
The whole, sequenced genome of the dampwood termite is reported this week in Nature Communications. The study highlights genes that may have influenced the development of complex social structures in termite populations and provides insight into how these genes have evolved in termites and closely related species.
Termites are characterised by social societies where a small group of individuals reproduce, while the large majority are tasked with foraging, defence and brood care. This type of social organisation is known as eusociality and is observed in both Hymenoptera (such as ants, bees, and wasps) and termites. To understand the genetic basis of eusociality, Jurgen Liebig and colleagues sequenced the genome of the termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis, and compared their data with previous studies focused on eusocial Hymenoptera.
The study shows that while genes involved in sperm production and odour detection have evolved differently in termites and Hymenoptera, there are similarities in the number and expression of genes that are involved in immunity, reproduction and endocrinology, which are all important for maintaining a eusocial structure. This work provides insights into the biological mechanisms underlying social organisation in termites and related species, and provides a valuable resource for future studies of insect evolution.
doi: 10.1038/ncomms4636
Research highlights
-
Jun 24
Palaeontology: It sucked to be the prey of ancient cephalopodsScientific Reports
-
Jun 24
Sport science: New wearable sensor to measure neck strain may detect potential concussionScientific Reports
-
Jun 23
Scientific community: Women credited less than men in scientific paper authorshipNature
-
Jun 17
Health technology: New cost-effective smartphone test for middle ear functionCommunications Medicine
-
Jun 17
Conservation: Feral cats pushing critically endangered marsupial further towards extinctionScientific Reports
-
Jun 16
Cancer: Signatures of structural genomic variation in cancerNature