Exploring the Potential of Lectins in Cereus (Cactaceae): In silico Identification and Evaluation of Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture

• Grant number: 23/14206-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Danilo Trabuco do Amaral
• Grantee: Eduardo Henrique Toral Cortez
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Agriculture plays a crucial role in society, providing food, fibers, medicines, and raw materials. In Brazil, as an agricultural powerhouse, it is fundamental for both the domestic and international supply. However, traditional agriculture faces sustainability challenges due to environmental impacts and pests. Conventional methods often involve pesticides and unsustainable practices, affecting soil, water, and biodiversity. Climate change also threatens food security. Therefore, a transition to sustainable agricultural practices is necessary. Bioprospecting research, especially the use of lectins from cacti, can play a vital role in this process. These proteins have the potential to serve as natural biopesticides, disrupting the life cycle of pests without harmful effects on human health. Thus, this project aims to use in silico tools and methods, such as protein modeling and molecular docking, to identify lectins capable of being applied as agricultural biopesticides. To achieve this, the transcriptomes of the root and cladode of three species of Cereus cacti, namely C. jamacaru, C. hildmannianus, and C. fernambucensis, will be employed. These species have a wide distribution and occur in distinct environments. This approach seeks to contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices, promoting food security, environmental preservation, and economic growth. In this context, bioprospecting research on lectins has the potential to address challenges in sustainable agriculture, directing the focus towards ecologically sound solutions and valuing Brazilian biodiversity.