Asteraceae and endophytic fungi: identification of natural products and biological activities

Abstract

Asteraceae is one of the world's largest families of Eudicots comprising several species used for economic and medicinal purposes, characterized by the production of important bioactive metabolites. However, few studies have regarded the chemical and biological diversity of the microorganisms associated with Asteraceae species. The aim of this project is to explore the metabolome of three non-studied species from highlands and rocky fields, and their associated endophytic fungi, as a source of new bioactive compounds. After the isolation of endophytic fungi, the crude extracts from plants and fungal species will be prepared, fractionated, subjected to bioassay (antiradical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities), analyzed through mass spectrometry, and organized by molecular networking. Bioactive samples will be purified, and the new compounds identified and assessed in biological assays. Additionally, the diversification of metabolic production will be assessed for two endophytic fungi strains. This interdisciplinary project has collaboration of international institutions and will contribute to the expansion of knowledge about the chemical diversity and biological potential of Asteraceae species and endophytic fungi from Brazil. (AU)