Tue Jun 17 18:32:05 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have discovered that a yeast-like organism, living symbiotically inside lac insects, is responsible for producing laccaic acid, the key component of the valuable lac pigment. This pigment is widely used in various industries, including food coloring and textiles. For years, the production pathway of laccaic acid remained a mystery, with scientists unable to identify the genes responsible within the insect itself. The IISc team’s research reveals that the yeast-like organism possesses the necessary genes for synthesizing tyrosine and other components needed for laccaic acid production. This symbiotic relationship is vital, as the insect cannot produce these components independently. The fungus is transferred through the oocyte to the next generation. This discovery sheds light on the intricate biological processes behind lac pigment production, a historically important industry in India.
**News Article:**
**IISc Researchers Uncover Secret Behind Lac Pigment Production: Symbiotic Fungus Holds the Key**
**Bengaluru, June 18, 2025** – In a breakthrough that unravels a decades-long mystery, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have discovered that the vibrant lac pigment, prized for its use in food coloring, textiles, and handicrafts, is not produced by the lac insect itself, but rather by a symbiotic yeast-like organism living within it.
For years, scientists have been unable to pinpoint the genes responsible for producing laccaic acid, the crucial component of the pigment, within the lac insect’s genome. The insect, which feeds on tree sap and secretes shellac, has been central to India’s lac pigment industry for centuries.
The IISc study, published this week, reveals that a previously unidentified yeast-like fungus residing within the insect’s body harbors the complete set of genes required for laccaic acid synthesis. This includes the ability to produce tyrosine, an amino acid essential for the process, which the insect itself cannot create or obtain from its diet.
“For thousands of years, India has been a key producer of lac pigment. The pathway for the pigment production was not very clear,” said Shantanu Shukla, Assistant Professor in the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, IISc.
The research team, led by Professor Shukla, sequenced the entire microbial community within the lac insect and identified the yeast-like organism as the key player. The fungus resides within the insect’s hemolymph (the equivalent of animal blood) and is passed on to subsequent generations by integrating itself into the insect’s egg cells (oocytes).
This discovery provides valuable insight into the intricate biological processes behind lac pigment production and could potentially lead to new strategies for enhancing pigment yield and improving the efficiency of the lac industry. The research also highlights the importance of symbiotic relationships in the natural world and the potential for harnessing these interactions for practical applications.
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