Adaptive Processes and Diversification of Microeukaryotes from the Phylum Ciliophora (TSAR, Alveolata)

• Grant number: 24/19293-2
• Support Opportunities: Generation Project Research Grant
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2031
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Franciane Cedrola Vale
• Grantee: Franciane Cedrola Vale
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Campinas
• Associated researchers: Jéssica Andrade Vilas Boas Ferreira ; Lucas Oliveira Mello ; marcus vinicius xavier senra ; Millke Jasmine Arminini Morales ; Pedro Mendes de Souza ; Priscila Fregulia ; Roberto Júnio Pedroso Dias ; Rômulo Celestino Souza ; Vera Nisaka Solferini

Abstract

Ciliates (Alveolata, Ciliophora) are a diverse group of microeukaryotes with an essential role in various ecosystems. Their internal phylogenetic relationships remain controversial due to conflicts between molecular studies and morphological classifications. Although advances in phylogenomics have helped clarify these divergences, studies generally focus on model organisms, not addressing the evolutionary relationships across the entire phylum. The adaptation of ciliates to different environments involves multiple factors, such as nuclear dimorphism, where the micronucleus transmits genetic information during sexual reproduction, and the macronucleus controls cellular activities. The formation of the macronucleus from the micronucleus involves extensive genetic reorganization, providing great genomic plasticity. Additionally, variations in the genetic code of ciliates, such as the modification of stop codons, allow for unique flexibility in protein synthesis, which may be essential for adaptation to diverse environments. Symbiotic relationships with prokaryotes, including bacteria and archaea, also seem to play an important role in the adaptation of ciliates, influencing their metabolism and ability to survive in extreme conditions. However, these interactions are still poorly understood, especially in non-model species. This project aims to: reconstruct the evolutionary relationships within the phylum Ciliophora through a phylogenomic approach, to fill gaps and resolve systematic and taxonomic inconsistencies involving the group; and investigate the genomic plasticity of ciliates and the symbiotic relationships they establish with prokaryotes, to understand which processes are related to the adaptation of these organisms to different environments and environmental conditions. (AU)