Metagenomic analysis of the microbiota hindgut of Reticulitermes lucifugus (Rossi) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

Termites hindguts host a microbial community consisting of anaerobic flagellates and bacteria. This gut microflora is responsible for the degradation of lignocellulosic material. Here we report the data concerning the analysis of the hindgut microbial community of Reticulitermes lucifugus (Rossi), a termite commonly present in Italy, based on a metagenomic approach. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from the gut content of termites and the SSU rDNA was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - amplified using universal primers for prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Two clone libraries were constructed and clones were grouped into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) by RFLP analysis. One representative clone was sequenced for each OTU and sequences were compared to the database. In order to isolate the cellulolytic bacterial fraction from the gut of R. lucifugus enrichment cultures were set up on different substrates. The isolates obtained were characterized. A large and diverse population of microbial symbionts was found in the R. lucifugus hindgut. Comparisons with other termites communities are presented.