Chemical Ecology in Insect-microbe Interactions in the Neotropics

Abstract

Small molecules frequently mediate symbiotic interactions between microorganisms and their hosts. Brazil harbors the highest diversity of insects in the world; however, just recently, efforts have been directed to deciphering the chemical signals involved in the symbioses of microorganisms and social insects. The current scenario of natural products research guided by chemical ecology is discussed in this review. Two groups of social insects have been prioritized in the studies, fungus-farming ants and stingless bees, leading to the identification of natural products involved in defensive and nutritional symbioses. Some of the compounds also present potential pharmaceutical applications as antimicrobials, and this is likely related to their ecological roles. Microbial symbioses in termites and wasps are suggested promising sources of biologically active small molecules. Aspects related to public policies for insect biodiversity preservation are also highlighted.

Bioprospecting macroalgae, marine and terrestrial invertebrates & their associated microbiota

“…These results corroborated the initial hypothesis of the ICBG project to understand the ecological functions of microbial specialized metabolites in insect-microbe symbiosis and to align this chemical ecology knowledge to pharmacological applications (Menegatti et al 2021). However, the chemistry behind insect-microbe interactions remains considerably to be deciphered.…”

Multiple lineages of Streptomyces produce antimicrobials within passalid beetle galleries across eastern North America

“…Symbioses in which insects partner with actinomycetes for chemical defense against pathogens are attractive models for investigating the ecology of specialized metabolites (Behie et al, 2017; Chevrette et al, 2019; Chevrette & Currie, 2019; Matarrita-Carranza et al, 2017; Van Arnam et al, 2018). The best-characterized examples of such symbioses include the eusocial neotropical leafcutter ants and the solitary beewolf wasps, and their respective actinomycete associates (Engl et al, 2018; Kaltenpoth et al, 2014; Li et al, 2018; Menegatti et al, 2020). While these systems have provided a remarkable window into the ecology of specialized metabolism, many questions remain regarding insect/actinomycete symbioses in the context of differing social structures, mechanisms of vertical transmission, and strategies to combat pathogens.…”

“…dentigerumycin and gerumycins) that differentially inhibit the growth of the Escovopsis sp. (Currie et al, 2003; Li et al, 2018; Menegatti et al, 2020; Oh et al, 2009; Sit et al, 2015; Van Arnam et al, 2016). Similarly, the gregarious southern pine beetle, which cultivates fungi to feed its larvae, maintains Streptomyces sp.…”

Estudos biossintéticos de policetídeos macrolactônicos bioativos em Streptomyces sp. ICBG311

“…Para isso, os insetos cultivam esses fungos dentro de suas colônias através do fornecimento de matéria orgânica (BEEMELMANNS et al, 2016). Esse fenômeno foi reportado em diversos insetos como formigas (CURRIE; STUART, 2001), cupins (AANEN et al, 2002), besouros (SCOTT et al, 2008) e, mais recentemente, abelhas sem ferrão (MENEZES et al, 2015;PALUDO et al, 2018).…”

“…Isso se dá em função da capacidade de seus representantes de produzir uma extensa variedade de metabólitos secundários com diferentes atividades biológicas (BARKA et al, 2016). Nos últimos anos, foram relatadas diversas linhagens de actinobactérias (como Pseudonocardia, Streptomyces e Amycolatopsis), isoladas de interações com insetos, que produzem metabólitos capazes de auxiliar na proteção de seus hospedeiros (CHEVRETTE et al, 2019;MENEGATTI et al, 2021;VAN MOLL et al, 2021).…”