Termite-Fungus Symbiosis

Termites are important agricultural pests, and they often damage most plastics. They may consume stored food, leaves, and manure from herbivorous animals. They also break down dead wood. They are considered a serious threat to forest nursery seedlings.

These insects are known to have multi-layer defence systems, with sophisticated use of antimicrobial compounds. They are divided into castes and work in different tasks. The division of labour is key to understanding termite behaviour and gut community function.

Termite-fungi symbiosis is a natural phenomenon, and holds great promise for future drug discovery. However, the chemical potential of this symbiosis is only just beginning to be explored. There is a wide variety of natural products present, but the roles of most have not yet been established.

Currently, reports have identified natural products from Bacillus, Actinobacteria, and Streptomyces. They are structurally diverse, often derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. The natural products from these fungi and bacteria have been isolated from termite combs and gut environments.

The role of Termitomyces in the symbiosis is unclear. In vitro growth assays and genomics tools can provide insight into the function of this fungus.

A comparative analysis across termite-fungus phylogenies should help clarify the dynamics of the symbiosis. Better characterisation of Termitomyces’ functions can also help understand evolution. This information can also lead to insights into a symbiosis’s role in plant decomposition.

The symbiosis is also remarkable for its success in deterring antagonists. Other species of fungi might not be toxic to termites.