A team at RIKEN’s Biorsource Center has succeeded in genome sequencing of an endosymbiont close to the Dinenympha genus whose DNA could be isolated from protists in termite gut. The genome shows sequences indicating the capacity to degrade lignocellulose. The authors presume that the endosymbionts support degradation of lignocellulose in termite gut to acetic acid, thus providing an energy source to their host.

RIKEN news release, July 7, 2015