Does stream degradation alter the composition and diversity of the microbiome associated with riparian forest spiders?

• Grant number: 25/20899-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Quevedo Romero
• Grantee: Ludmila dos Passos e Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/10765-3 - Anthropogenic impacts and their effects on biodiversity, complex networks and flux between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, AP.BTA.R

Abstract

The degradation of streams causes significant ecological impacts that can be measured through the microbiome of bioindicator organisms, such as riparian spiders. This project aims to evaluate how this process, in conjunction with various spider foraging strategies (i.e., active hunters vs. web builders), affect the diversity, composition, and potential functions of the associated microbiota. Based on a set of 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from individuals collected in preserved streams (Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station) and also in degraded streams, bioinformatics analyses will be performed to compare the taxonomic and functional composition(PICRUSt2) of microbial communities. The main hypothesis is that spiders from degraded environments will present dysbiosis, characterised by lower bacterial diversity and the loss of important symbionts. In addition, it is also expected that different foraging strategies will modulate distinct microbial communities, directly reflecting their lifestyles. This study thus seeks to deepen understanding of the sublethal effects of environmental degradation and validate the use of the microbiome as an innovative tool in biomonitoring the health of riparian ecosystems. (AU)