Natural products from microorganisms associated with stingless bees: chemical, ecological and pharmacological studies

• Grant number: 15/04901-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2015
• End date: July 08, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Agreement: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Tallarico Pupo
• Grantee: Amanda Henriques Cavalheiro
• 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

Chemical Ecology studies are needed to better understanding of the relationships between species and how the production of secondary metabolites interfere in these mechanisms. The symbiotic relationship between insects, fungi and bacteria has been investigated and new findings in the area have shown how these relationships have evolved and which substances are involved in this cooperation. It is known that ants, termites and bees have a symbiotic relationship with fungi and bacteria and many of the products produced by these microorganisms may have pharmacological or agricultural importance. Bees have few natural enemies, such as mites, ants, spiders and fungi. However, there are many symbiotic associations of these "natural enemies" with bees and these relationships differ from species to species. The aim of this project involves the isolation and identification of natural products produced by microorganisms associated with stingless bees. Initially, it will emphasize the bee Frieseomelitta varia and it can be expanded to other species depending on the progress of the project. (AU)