Specialized Metabolites from Neotropical Insect Microbiomes

All organisms interact in Nature, and specialized metabolites (natural products) play important roles in mediating symbiotic interactions between microorganisms and their hosts. Knowledge in this field has increased significantly in the last decade in a variety of symbiotic associations microorganisms and eukaryotic hosts. Using a chemical ecology approach to study the microbiomes of social insects, we have identified new natural products involved in defensive and nutritional symbiosis. Some compounds also have potential pharmaceutical applications as antimicrobials, and this is probably related to their ecological roles. During this presentation I will discuss our approach and some of our results in this exciting field.