In silico bioprospecting of mandacaru (Cactaceae): discovery of potential genetic products for controlling skin blemishes and oiliness.

• Grant number: 23/06458-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Danilo Trabuco do Amaral
• Grantee: Júlia de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The molecular biodiversity of plants is a valuable source of active compounds with therapeutic and aesthetic properties capable of modulating cellular pathways and enzymatic processes. Bioprospecting has significantly contributed to our understanding of these bioactives. Brazil, as the possessor of approximately 20% of the world's flora, attracts interest from the scientific and business communities for the innovative use of these biomolecules. Brazilian traditional medicine is recognized for the extensive use of plant species with therapeutic properties, such as mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru). This species, native to the Caatinga, is a rich source of nutrients and possesses therapeutic properties for various conditions. Research indicates that this cactus is a source of proteins with biotechnological applications associated with photoprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidant properties. However, the metabolic pathways regulating the synthesis of cholesterol and melanin for the treatment of skin blemishes and oiliness have not been explored. Biochemical analyses reveal the involvement of compounds such as acetyl-CoA, a primary substrate for lipid synthesis in the sebaceous gland, and L-DOPA, a natural precursor of melanin, in the processes of cholesterol formation and melanogenesis. Therefore, the objective of this project is to identify and analyze proteins that can act on the pathways involved in sebum and melanin production in the skin, by interacting with the mentioned substrates, with the aim of reducing oiliness and blemishes. Bioinformatics techniques, such as transcriptome assembly and reverse virtual screening, will be used based on the omics data of C. jamacaru. The knowledge generated by this study can be applied in the future development of cosmetic and pharmacological products, generating significant interest for in vivo testing, aiming to promote the sustainable use of this natural source in the creation of new bioactives for skin care.