Metabolic diversity of anurans in the context of symbiotic interactions using integrative omics approaches

• Grant number: 22/01073-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Norberto Peporine Lopes
• Grantee: Ana Caroline Zanatta Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/02207-5 - Inventorying secondary metabolism applying metabolomic strategies: contribution to the Brazilian biodiversity valuation, AP.BTA.TEM

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest is one of the biomes most threatened by constant human disturbance. Amphibians are among the organisms most affected by changes in ecosystems, suffering serious population declines due both to anthropogenic action and to different diseases such as that caused by the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). However, it is known that bacteria associated with the skin of certain anurans (frogs, toads and toads) are able to produce metabolites that can suppress the growth of the fungus Bd. On the other hand, and considering a comprehensive ecological perspective, recent studies recognize the relevance of different factors in amphibian-microorganism symbiotic relationships that affect the metabolome of the interaction. For example, bile acids are produced by vertebrates with important physiological functions in the absorption, transport and storage of dietary substances, which can be modified by gut microorganisms and act regulating the balance of the microbiome. In this context, the project proposal involves a multidisciplinary holistic approach, as it seeks to link the prospection of secondary metabolism of microorganisms and the host with the functional characteristics and their effects taking into account taxonomic and biological characteristics, as well as the anthropic effect of different areas of Atlantic Forest. Among the possible strategies, we propose to employ combinations of multi-omics technologies to reveal the function, structure and regulatory pathways of different metabolites present in the skin and digestive system of some anuran species. Thus, these studies may help enrich the discussion on the chemical diversity of anurans and their interactions with other organisms, contributing to future studies on bioprospecting and conservation of biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest. (AU)