Metabolic processes in the cooperative microbial symbionts of Brazilian membracids

• Grant number: 16/50492-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2017
• End date: October 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics
• Agreement: Texas Tech University
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Tallarico Pupo
• Grantee: Mônica Tallarico Pupo
• Principal researcher abroad: Amanda May Vivian Brown
• Institution abroad: Texas Tech University (TTU), United States
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/50954-0 - Novel therapeutic agents from the bacterial symbionts of Brazilian invertebrates, AP.BTA.TEM

Abstract

Modern tools have enabled a revolution in the derivation of therapeutic products from the study of metabolic symbionts. Some of the most complex and promising metabolic symbionts belong to the insect order Hemiptera which include successful plant-pests (e.g. aphids, etc.) and human blood-feeders (e.g. kissing bugs - the Chagas vector). The most complex Hemipteran symbiosis occurs in the insect family Membracidae, in species found in Brazil, with up to 6 interacting intracellular bacteria and fungi providing essential metabolic functions. To date, no one has examined this symbiosis in Brazil since 1943. We propose to collect Brazilian membracids and analyze the roles of their remarkable microbes using modern technologies (genome and transciptome sequencing and assembly) to support the discovery of potential new therapeutic agents, adding to the pipeline of research as part of Dr. Pupo's existing FAPESP-funded program involving culturing and screening for therapeutic activity. Funding will support travel and accommodation during (1) initial membracid specimen collection in Brazil, and (2) subsequent trips to support reciprocal specialized scientific training and sharing of knowledge through seminars and workshops. This will support the launch of research collaboration between the laboratories of Dr. Pupo and Dr. Brown and complement the discovery process in place in the lab of Dr. Pupo supported by her existing BIOTA- FAPESP collaboration. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SALAZAR, MCKINLEE M.; PUPO, MONICA T.; BROWN, AMANDA M. V.. Co-Occurrence of Viruses, Plant Pathogens, and Symbionts in an Underexplored Hemipteran Clade. FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY, v. 11, AUG 26 2021. (16/50492-5)