Modulação da atividade elétrica micelial de Beauveria bassiana em condições de luz visível e choque térmico

• Grant number: 25/27650-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: March 01, 2026
• End date: May 01, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Drauzio Eduardo Naretto Rangel
• Grantee: Drauzio Eduardo Naretto Rangel
• Host Investigator: Andrew Adamatzky
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of the West of England, Bristol, England

Abstract

Cross-protection, also known as priming, adaptive response, acclimation, or acquired stress resistance, occurs when exposure to a mild stressor enhances an organism's ability to mount a more robust defense against subsequent challenges. Insect-pathogenic fungi respond strongly to diverse abiotic stimuli during mycelial growth, including visible and blue light, magnetic and electric fields, heat shock, osmotic stress, nutrient limitation, and oxidative stress. These stimuli can induce the production of conidia with increased tolerance to heat, UV-B radiation, and osmotic and oxidative stresses. In this study, we will expose the insect pathogen Beauveria bassiana to selected stimuli during mycelial growth and measure its endogenous electrical activity, including the complexity and dynamics of electrical signaling patterns, to determine how these signals are modulated by stress. By integrating stress physiology with fungal electrophysiology, this work aims to provide novel insights into fungal communication, information processing, and potential proto-cognitive behavior. (AU)