This project investigates viral diversity associated with spider webs through a structured, stepwise approach. It is organized into three interconnected work packages (WPs), each addressing a specific objective:

• WP1: Establishment and optimization of methodology for spider web virome analysis
  We will develop and optimize protocols for sampling spider webs and associated spiders, nucleic acid extraction, virus enrichment, and virome sequencing. A key focus will be defining the optimal sampling strategy by determining how many spider webs are needed per sample to reliably capture viral diversity. This will be achieved through systematic comparison of individual and pooled samples using sequencing and bioinformatic analyses.
• WP2: Exploring spider and environmental inputs to spider web-associated viromes
  In this work package, we will analyze viruses present in spider webs and in the spiders that build them, using a selected model system (Linyphia triangularis in a grassland environment). By comparing these datasets and including controlled experiments, we will assess the relative contribution of spiders, their prey, and the surrounding environment to the detected viral communities.
• WP3: Investigating viral diversity across ecosystems using spider webs as bio-samplers
  We will apply the optimized methods to samples collected from different environments (e.g. grasslands, forest edges, and urban areas). Viral communities will be analyzed and compared across these environments to assess how they differ in composition and diversity, and to evaluate the applicability of spider webs for broader environmental monitoring.
• WP4: Dissemination and data manegement This work package will run in parallel with the other three and will focus on the data management and the dissemination of results.

The project is carried out in collaboration with international and national partners, including Dr. Philippe Roumagnac (CIRAD – UMR PHIM, France) and Dr. Matjaž Gregorič (ZRC SAZU, Slovenia).

References

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