Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus : Gene duplication facilitates social evolution

Significance Gene duplication is a major source of evolutionary innovation and is associated with the increases in biological complexity and adaptive radiation. Termites are model social organisms characterized by a sophisticated caste system. We analyzed the genome of the Japanese subterranean termite, an ecologically and economically important insect acting as a destructive pest. The analyses revealed the significance of gene duplication in social evolution. Gene duplication associated with caste-biased gene expression was prevalent in the termite genome. Many of the duplicated genes were related to social functions, such as chemical communication, social immunity, and defense, and they were often expressed in caste-specific organs. We propose that gene duplication facilitates social evolution through regulatory diversification leading to caste-biased expression and functional specialization.