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Improved reference quality genome sequence of the plastic-degrading greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella
Summary
Researchers produced an improved reference genome for the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), a model organism used in microplastic and plastic-degradation research because its larvae can break down polyethylene. The improved assembly provides a genomic resource supporting genetic studies of plastic-degrading enzymes in this insect.
Galleria mellonella is a pest of honeybees in many countries because its larvae feed on beeswax. However, G. mellonella larvae can also eat various plastics, including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, and therefore, the species is garnering increasing interest as a tool for plastic biodegradation research. This paper presents an improved genome (99.3% completed lepidoptera_odb10 BUSCO; genome mode) for G. mellonella. This 472 Mb genome is in 221 contigs with an N50 of 6.4 Mb and contains 13,604 protein-coding genes. Genes that code for known and putative polyethylene-degrading enzymes and their similarity to proteins found in other Lepidoptera are highlighted. An analysis of secretory proteins more likely to be involved in the plastic catabolic process has also been carried out.
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