Diversity, ecology and biotechnological potential of the symbiotic bacteriofauna associated with insects

Abstract

Insects are well known organisms by their abundance and correspond to more than half of the biological diversity in Earth. The species richness and the diversity of modes of life of insects are a result of a series of adaptations during their evolutionary history, but the diversification in their life histories were quite influenced by their association with symbiotic microorganism. Insect symbionts allowed insects to 1) exploit unsuitable or low quality nutritional resources (cellulose, hairs, keratin), 2) recycle nitrogen, 3) degrade defensive plant secondary compounds, and yet 4) to provide protection to insects against pathogens and entomophages. The diversity of relationships insects and symbionts established indicate an insect harbors a rich microbiota. The diversity of microbes and the different roles they may play points to the existence of key bioecological processes of insects, such as development, growth, nutrition, immune defense, host utilization, among other, that may all be influenced by their associated micro biota. Therefore, given the large number of interactions among insects and their symbionts, the micro biota associated with insects represents an almost untapped source of bioactive molecules for biotechnological exploitation in Agriculture and Medicine, as also indicated in our initial research. In this project, we propose to investigate the diversity of bacteria associated with different species of insects, establish several ecological aspects of their interactions with their insect hosts and to search molecules (enzymes, antibiotics, insecticides) for biotechnological exploitation. Enzymes are expected to serve in the 1) hydrolysis of lignocellulose for ethanol production or 2) in the degradaton of pesticides for bioremediation programs. Antibiotics will be sought against several antibiotic-resistant pathogens to human, while molecules with have insectice activity will have insect pests as a target. (AU)