IU Biologists Launch Insect DNA Database for Research

Black soldier fly larvae are major recyclers of organic materials. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Is there such a thing as a better bug? Researchers at Indiana University are pioneering an insect DNA database to find out. Built to empower researchers, the database will accelerate the discovery of insect-based solutions to solve environmental and agriculture problems.

Christine Picard. Photo courtesy of the IU School of ScienceChristine Picard, associate dean for research and graduate education and professor of biology at the IU School of Science at IU Indianapolis, and Hector Rosche-Flores, a biology graduate student in the school, recognized a lack of comprehensive and accessible databases for insect research. Picard said that industrialization of insects is crucial to solving pressing environmental concerns such as climate issues and diminishing food supply.

"Insects have become increasingly recognized as a scalable and sustainable solution for various industries," Picard said. "However, without access to comprehensive genetic data, progress in fields like waste bioconversion, agricultural biotechnology and pharmaceutical bioproducts is stalled."

To get the insect DNA database into the hands of researchers, Picard has partnered with the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office for licensing and sponsored research opportunities.

Hector Rosche Flores. Photo courtesy of the IU School of Science The database's structure allows users to rapidly explore large datasets, helping answer the "what-if" questions relating to their research, and compare genomes of insect species. It is poised to deliver AI-driven predictive analytics to identify key genetic features relevant to insect-based bioproducts.

"This database is designed for researchers to use the proprietary data to solve their own research questions and drive innovation and discovery in the fields of insect biotechnology and biomanufacturing," Picard said.

For example, researchers can use the database to investigate specific traits that are important for insect farming and search genes that might be linked to those traits. The scientists can then compare those genes across different insect strains for DNA differences.

If the differences match the traits, researchers can develop experiments to test how gene variants affect the insect. By uncovering these links, the scientists can engineer improved insect strains, creating a "better bug."

The database provides a scalable platform for optimizing genetic modifications and improving insect production efficiency. By making proprietary data accessible and actionable, the database reduces the time and cost associated with conducting experimental research and opens new avenues to drive innovation for impactful solutions.