Omic research in termites: an overview and a roadmap

Area of Science:

• Termite biology
• Genomics
• Sociogenomics
• Digestomics

Background:

• Omics research provides a comprehensive understanding of biological molecules.
• Termite biology has seen significant advancements through omics studies.
• Omics approaches include genomics, sociogenomics, and digestomics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review termite omics studies from the past 15 years.
• To summarize terminology, methods, findings, and implications of termite omics research.
• To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Review of omics research in termite biology.
• Cataloging, quantifying, and characterizing biological molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins, biochemicals).
• Analysis of sociogenomics and digestomics.

Main Results:

• Omics research has enhanced understanding of termite and symbiont biology.
• New omics resources have been developed for various termite species.
• Significant knowledge gaps persist despite recent advancements.

Conclusions:

• Omics research has revolutionized termite biology.
• Further research integrating omics with functional, translational, and applied programs is crucial.
• Addressing knowledge gaps will deepen our understanding of termite ecology and evolution.