AT-Biota: Unveiling the Hidden Richness of Arachnids and Triatomines in Unexplored Regions of Brazilian Biomes

• Grant number: 25/01407-4
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Young Investigators Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Manuela Berto Pucca
• Grantee: Manuela Berto Pucca
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Araraquara
• Associated researchers: André Felipe de Araujo Lira ; Antonio Domingos Brescovit ; Eliane Candiani Arantes Braga ; Felipe Augusto Cerni ; Isadora Sousa de Oliveira ; Jader de Oliveira ; João Aristeu da Rosa ; José Rafael de Almeida ; Loic Quinton ; Lúcia Helena Faccioli ; MARIA ELENA DE LIMA PEREZ GARCIA ; Professor Sakthivel Vaiyapuri ; Thiago Aparecido da Silva ; Vagner José Mendonça
• Associated scholarship(s): 26/00440-0 - Bioprospecting and characterization of antimicrobial peptides from Tityus serrulatus venom: fractionation and biological assays, BP.IC; 26/00641-6 - Technical Training in AT-Biota: Unveiling the Hidden Diversity of Arachnids and Triatomines in Unexplored Regions of Brazilian Biomes, BP.TT

Abstract

Brazilian biodiversity is among the richest in the world, hosting a vast array of yet undescribed species, especially in remote and underexplored regions such as the Amazon Rainforest, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest. Hematophagous insects, such as triatomines, and arachnids, such as scorpions and spiders, play essential roles in ecosystems and produce bioactive secretions with high therapeutic potential. However, the characterization of these species and knowledge of the biochemical composition of their secretions remain limited, with many molecules of interest still unexplored. This project aims to characterize the biodiversity of triatomines, scorpions, and spiders from different Brazilian biomes, investigating their secretions and venoms to identify bioactive molecules with therapeutical properties. This is a multidisciplinary proposal that involves field expeditions in strategic regions such as Morro do Diabo State Park (SP), Cerrado areas in Piauí, and remote regions of Roraima. The collected specimens will be identified, preserved, and deposited in scientific collections. Their secretions (saliva or venom) will be extracted and submitted to initial biochemical analyses, such as electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and chromatography. The identification of proteins, peptides, and metabolites will be performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), allowing for a detailed proteomic and metabolomic analysis. Furthermore, the biological activities of the venoms and salivary secretions will be evaluated in vitro to investigate enzymatic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antitumor, hemostatic, and muscular effects. This study aims not only to expand knowledge about Brazilian biodiversity and its biotechnological potential but also to contribute to species conservation and the development of innovative new drugs, aligning with the objectives of the BIOTA-Descoberta FAPESP program and promoting the integration of science, technology, and sustainability. (AU)