Molecular identification of Amazonian freshwater sponges

• Grant number: 23/13882-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 05, 2024
• End date: February 24, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Maria Paula Cruz Schneider
• Grantee: Ana Vitória Strilicherk
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Belém , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sponges are filter-feeding holobionts and survive due to a symbiotic system with a microbial consortium living within them. Through the production of secondary metabolites, the sponge-associated microbiota protects them against predators, toxins, and pathogenic microorganisms. Such substances may additionally present biotechnological potential, such as antiviral, antitumor, antimicrobial, or general cytotoxic properties, increasing the medical-pharmacological interest associated with these organisms. Currently, 9,299 species of marine sponges and only 270 freshwater sponges were described. All freshwater species belong to the Demospongiae class, and little is known about the genome of these animals. To date, in the Tapajós, a river in the Amazon Basin, 20 Demospongiae species have been identified. Amazonian sponges remain out of water for 4 to 6 months during drought periods, an event that potentially modulates the production of secondary metabolites. The objective of this project is to analyze the genomes of freshwater sponges collected in the Tapajós River, as well as to analyze the metagenome associated with them. The assessment of microbial diversity will be analyzed regarding the influence of seasonal change, exploring the impact on the diversity and production of metabolites of interest in biotechnology. (AU)