Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: LUIZ FERNANDO RODRIGUES DE SOUZA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : LUIZ FERNANDO RODRIGUES DE SOUZA
DATE: 07/03/2025
TIME: 13:00
LOCAL: VIDEOCONFERÊNCIA
TITLE:

Hydrophilic fraction of Selaginella convoluta shoots extract: chemical characterization and embryotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

KEY WORDS:

Selaginella convoluta, Zebrafish, Toxicity, Behaviour, Natural products, Plant biotechnology.

PAGES: 101
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Farmácia
SUMMARY:

Selaginella convoluta is a prominent species within the biodiversity of the Caatinga, known

for its desiccation tolerance properties. Recent investigations into this plant have further

explored these characteristics through proteomic data, while phytochemical studies have

highlighted its significant richness in phenolic compounds. Building upon previous research

on the potential of S. convoluta, this study presents data on its biological potential using the

zebrafish (Danio rerio) alternative model. To this end, the chemical composition and

embryotoxicity of the hydrophilic fraction of the extract from the aerial parts of S. convoluta

were analyzed. UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified various phenolic compounds, including

biflavonoids, selaginellins, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, marking the first

identification of selaginpulvilin A and seladoeflavone in this species. In the zebrafish

embryotoxicity assay, no toxicity or teratogenic effects were observed following acute

exposure. The fraction was also evaluated for its potential to enhance learning and memory

processes through an associative conditioning test, as well as for its protective effects against

alcohol-induced oxidative stress. The results indicated that treatment with the fraction

improved the fishes’ learning and memory. Furthermore, the fraction demonstrated potential

in mitigating oxidative stress, possibly due to its high antioxidant content. Given the

increasing use of the zebrafish model in natural product research, the study also discusses the

observed implications of interactions within these fields, using alkaloids in zebrafish as a case

study. This preliminary thesis version presents the first investigations of S. convoluta in

zebrafish, while research related to topics such as biosynthesis and biotechnological

applications remains under development and further exploration.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Interno - 1492900 - CICERO FLAVIO SOARES ARAGAO
Externa ao Programa - ***.345.224-** - EMANUELLA DE ARAGÃO TAVARES - UFRN
Externo à Instituição - FRANCISCO CARLOS DA SILVA JUNIOR - USask