Transcriptomic analyses of the termite, Cryptotermes secundus, reveal a gene network underlying a long lifespan and high fecundity

Abstract

Lin et al. use transcriptomics in the social termite, Cryptotermes secundus, to investigate potential pathways underlying the long lifespan and high fecundity of insect queens. They find a module of coexpressed genes in queens that is enriched for pathways involved in fecundity, juvenile hormone signaling, and chemical communication. In particular, their results provide molecular evidence that links social communication with the observed longevity and fecundity in termite queens, compared to termite workers.