| Grant number: | 23/11339-0 |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |
| Start date: | February 01, 2024 |
| End date: | January 31, 2026 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms |
| Principal Investigator: | Renata Castiglioni Pascon |
| Grantee: | Renata Castiglioni Pascon |
| Host Institution: | Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil |
| Associated researchers: | Claudia Barros Monteiro Vitorello ; Lívia Soman de Medeiros |
| Associated scholarship(s): | 25/07232-1 - Technical training in microbiological manipulation of yeasts of biotechnological interest,
BP.TT 25/07339-0 - Technical training in genetic manipulation of yeasts of biotechnological interest, BP.TT 24/01355-1 - Technical training in genetics and molecular biology of yeasts of biotechnological interest, BP.TT |
Abstract
UltraViolet Radiation (UVR) affects many aspects of life on the planet. At the same time that it is necessary for the synthesis of important molecules, such as vitamin D, it is also harmful to organisms, and can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Artificial synthetic sunscreens prevent or delay these effects, but they are toxic and have carcinogenic and neurotoxic potential in humans. In addition, they accumulate in the aquatic ecosystem, harming the environment, such as coral bleaching. Algae, cyanobacteria and fungi produce mycosporines, which are able to absorb ultraviolet radiation and dissipate it as heat; therefore they may be natural synthetic sunscreens with low or no toxicity. Mycosporines from aquatic organisms have already been incorporated into products aimed at providing sun protection. Unifesp's Laboratory of Microbial Interactions identified two isolates of Papiliotrema laurentii, and one isolate of Naganishia friedmannii that produce mycosporines. Previously, these species were grouped in the genus Cryptococcus, whose species C. neoformans and C. gattii, are pathogenic. Despite this, our preliminary data indicate that there is low pathogenic potential in P. laurentii and N. friedmannii. Also, chemical analyzes showed the production of a series of mycosporines, among them mycosporine glutamyl-glucoside and glutamyl-serinol, the latter produced by C. neoformans. Yeast mycosporines have been poorly studied and their potential as sunscreens has yet to be evaluated. The general purpose of this project is to enlarge the yeast producing collection, to expand knowledge about these molecules from P. laurentii, N. friedmannii and C. neoformans, to study their biosynthesis pathways, as well as to evaluate the transfer of these pathways to other model organisms for biotechnological application. This research project intends to add value to yeast mycosporines as an additive for economically viable, more sustainable and environmentally friendly sunscreens. (AU)
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