Comparative genomics reveal signatures of ecological specialization in the striped ambrosia beetle Trypodendron lineatum
The primary objective of this project was to sequence and analyze the genome of the striped ambrosia beetle, Trypodendron lineatum, to explore how its obligatory nutritional mutualism with a cultivated fungus and subsequent ecological specialization have influenced its genomic architecture. The RNA-seq libraries submitted here were critically utilized to provide transcriptomic evidence for the high-quality structural annotation of the genome assembly (GenBank Accession: [Insert GenBank Accession Number Here]). Comparative genomics, supported by this annotation, revealed that T. lineatum possesses a highly compact, streamlined genome, characterized by low repetitive DNA content and reduced transposable elements. The genome also shows lineage-specific gene family contractions in pathways related to plant digestion, detoxification (e.g., Cytochrome P450), and broad-spectrum immunity, supporting a model of genomic optimization driven by a stable, nutrient-rich fungal diet. Conversely, observed expansions in genes involved in genomic regulation and immune recognition suggest adaptive processes for tolerating the mutualistic symbiont. This dataset establishes T. lineatum as a crucial resource for understanding insect genome evolution under strong symbiotic and niche specialization pressures.