Meta-omics in detection of silkworm gut microbiome diversity

Abstract

Insect gut symbiotic microbiota plays an essential role in the growth, development, pathogenesis, and environmental adaptation of host insects. As such, the molecular and systems level analysis of insect gut symbiotic microbial community may aid in discovery of novel biocatalysts for biomass deconstruction and to develop innovative strategies for pest management. In this review, we focused on understanding the current knowledge on investigation of insect gut microbes, especially in silkworms, and their functional role in the insect gut environment. Genome analysis has emerged as a major tool to study the composition, function, and evolution of various microbiota. We have particularly explored the use of metagenomics and metaproteomics in the field of studying insect gut microbiota and the recent advances in this field toward exploring the insect gut symbionts.