BMC Genomic Data is calling for submissions to our Collection, Genomics of antibiotic producing microorganisms. The study of antibiotic-producing microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, has been a cornerstone of biomedical research, leading to the discovery of numerous natural products with bactericidal activity. Understanding the genomics of these microorganisms is key to unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic production, secondary metabolism, and the evolution of antibiotic resistance. This Collection aims to gather research that explores the genomics of antibiotic-producing microorganisms, including the identification of antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters, the role of secondary metabolism, and the application of synthetic biology in harnessing the potential of these microorganisms for drug discovery.
The growing availability of microbial genome sequences, coupled with advancements in sequencing technologies and annotation tools, has expanded the reservoir of genomic data available, providing unprecedented opportunities to mine for new antibiotic-producing gene clusters or microorganisms. For instance, the recent identification of the Acyldepsipeptide (ADEP) class, which targets bacterial protease ClpP, underscores the bactericidal potential of newly characterized natural products. Such discoveries highlight the importance of integrating genomic data with functional studies to understand the regulatory mechanisms governing secondary metabolism and explore engineering strategies for the production of novel antibiotics.
Advancing our collective understanding in this area is essential to address the growing need for alternative solutions in response to the increasing threat posed by multi-resistant organisms such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and XDR-TB (Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis). By leveraging advances in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, researchers can identify previously unknown antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters, engineer microorganisms for enhanced natural product biosynthesis, and apply synthetic biology tools to develop novel antimicrobial compounds.
The current focus on genomics has greatly enhanced our ability to study natural products and antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters. The integration of large-scale genomic data with functional analyses enables researchers to uncover biosynthetic pathways and better understand the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic production. Advances in sequencing technologies and genome mining strategies are opening new possibilities for the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents.
These genomic insights enable us to isolate new gene clusters and target the pathways involved in antibiotic production. Mining microbial genomes from underexplored environments, such as deep-sea ecosystems and unique soil habitats, has significantly expanded the scope for discovering previously unrecognized organisms capable of producing novel compounds. Moreover, combining genome mining with synthetic biology approaches has facilitated the reconstruction and modification of antibiotic biosynthetic pathways, pushing the boundaries of natural product discovery.
For decades, researchers have focused on traditional antibiotic-producing microorganisms, primarily within well-known groups like Actinobacteria and fungi. However, recent strategies have shifted toward exploring more diverse ecological niches, sequencing an increasing variety of microbial genomes, and using bioinformatics tools to predict and validate the function of new biosynthetic gene clusters. This broader approach, combined with innovative synthetic biology techniques, aims to boost the discovery of new antimicrobial agents with clinical relevance.
We welcome submissions that address a wide range of topics related to the genomics of antibiotic-producing microorganisms, including but not limited to:
- Bacteria and fungi as antibiotic producers
- Natural products and secondary metabolism
- Antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters
- Synthetic biology in antibiotic discovery
- Data notes of newly sequenced genomes
- Mining underexplored environments for novel microorganisms and antibiotics
- Evolutionary analysis of antibiotic resistance mechanisms
- Functional genomics and transcriptomics to uncover regulatory networks in secondary metabolism
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