Characterization of the proteome, microbiome, and metabolome of Eucalyptus cultivated in the field and in a greenhouse.

• Grant number: 25/14750-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Welington Luiz de Araújo
• Grantee: Keila Cristina dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/01012-9 - Biology of xylogenesis, methane production and emission by eucalypt, AP.TEM

Abstract

Eucalyptus cultivation plays a crucial role in the Brazilian economy, leading the world production and being an important exporter of cellulose. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is emitted by plants in various forms, however, the specific origin of this production, especially in eucalyptus, is still not fully understood. On the other hand, methanol is a precursor of gases that are harmful to air quality, and it is known that it is mainly emitted by plants. Methylotrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, either by consuming or producing methane and methanol. This study aims to explore the relationship between eucalyptus trees and methane emission, through a comprehensive investigation of the microbial community, focusing on endophytic and phyllospheric methylotrophic microorganisms. The study will use metabolomic and proteomic methods, as well as culture-dependent and culture-independent methods, to evaluate and isolate methylotrophic microorganisms from leaves and trunks of eucalyptus trees at different stages of development. Microbial consortia in culture media with methane and methanol as the sole carbon source will be developed and characterized by culture-independent methods. The impact of factors such as plant age and season on the abundance and richness of methylotrophic bacteria will be evaluated, along with the ability of these microorganisms to consume and produce methane in microcosm systems. The multidimensional approach of this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the interaction between eucalyptus, methylotrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea. The central hypothesis is that the endophytic, rhizospheric community of Eucalyptus spp. and the soil under cultivation of these plants are associated with the regulation of methane and methanol emissions by the host plant, possibly consuming the methanol/methane produced during the cultivation of these trees. The expected results can provide valuable insights to promote sustainable eucalyptus cultivation and contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. (AU)