Diversidade taxonômica do microbioma de ninhos de espuma de sapos Leptodactilídeos, sua importância e potencial biotecnológico

Abstract

Amphibians depend on water or humid environments for reproduction. Thus, they developed several Reproduction Modes (RM). Some of these involve laying eggs in Foam Nests (FN). Some studies show that the nests are mainly composed of proteins, such as surfactant proteins, and carbohydrates that help protect the eggs. However, the microbiome of NF has been little studied and that of leptodactylid anurans is still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study is describe the microbiome of the NF of Adenomera hylaedactyla, Leptodactylus vastus and Physalaemus cuvieri of the Family Leptodactylidae. FN samples from these species were collected, as well as soil and water samples from their deposition sites. Total DNA from these samples was extracted and 16S rRNA gene amplicons were sequenced and analyzed. The clades Proteobacteria, Bacterioidetes and Firmicutes were predominant in the NF microbiome. The most abundant genera were Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium and Paenibacillus. NF richer in microorganisms were those deposited in soil, environments richer in microorganisms. However, the composition of microorganisms in the NF of these species is more similar to each other than to their deposition environments. Our results suggest that the peculiar chemical composition of foam nests is the main selection factor for acquiring their microbiome. Microorganisms from foam nests can act to protect tadpoles and adult animals against diseases and produce substances with potential for technological applications, interfering with the health of these animals. Thus, knowledge of the microbiome of foam nests can be a useful tool to develop conservation strategies for these animals.