Symbiont-assisted cuticle biosynthesis as a key innovation contributing to the evolutionary success of beetles

Project description

Research investigates the relationship between beetles and symbiotic bacteria

Elucidating the key adaptations underlying evolutionary success remains a central challenge in evolution and ecology. The EU-funded SYMBeetle project will investigate the evolution of a symbiont-assisted key adaptation process that protects beetles against dehydration and predators. Recent evidence has shown that beetles of at least seven different families have become dependent on symbiosis for the supply of an important substance – tyrosine. This aromatic amino acid is necessary for cuticle biosynthesis, hardening and tanning. Symbioses of this kind have evolved independently many times and have probably been a key factor enabling beetles to spread into new ecological niches.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › ecology
• medical and health sciences › health sciences › nutrition
• natural sciences › biological sciences › biological behavioural sciences › ethology › biological interactions
• agricultural sciences › agriculture, forestry, and fisheries › agriculture
• natural sciences › chemical sciences › organic chemistry › amines

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme

Topic(s)

• ERC-2018-COG - ERC Consolidator Grant

Call for proposal

ERC-2018-COG

See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

Host institution

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV

Net EU contribution

€ 1 048 217,55

Address

Hofgartenstrasse 8
80539 Munchen
Germany

Region

Bayern › Oberbayern › München, Kreisfreie Stadt

Activity type

Research Organisations

Links

Non-EU contribution

€ 0,00

Beneficiaries (2)

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV

Germany

Net EU contribution

€ 1 048 217,55

Address

Hofgartenstrasse 8
80539 Munchen

Region

Bayern › Oberbayern › München, Kreisfreie Stadt

Activity type

Research Organisations

Links

Non-EU contribution

€ 0,00

JOHANNES GUTENBERG-UNIVERSITAT MAINZ

Germany

Net EU contribution

€ 949 532,45

Address

Saarstrasse 21
55122 Mainz

Region

Baden-Württemberg › Stuttgart › Stuttgart, Stadtkreis

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

Links

Non-EU contribution

€ 0,00