About this Research Topic

Background

Bifidobacteria are a group of beneficial bacteria that reside predominantly in the human gut, playing a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and promoting overall health. These bacteria are particularly abundant in the infant gut and have been associated with numerous health benefits, including enhanced immune function and improved digestion. Despite the growing body of research, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of the diverse functions and mechanisms by which bifidobacteria exert their effects. Recent studies have begun to uncover the complex interactions between bifidobacteria and the human host, yet many questions remain unanswered. Current research is focused on elucidating these interactions and understanding how external factors such as diet, antibiotics, and aging influence bifidobacterial populations. However, a comprehensive understanding of their roles and mechanisms is still lacking, necessitating further investigation.

This research topic aims to provide a thorough overview of the current knowledge regarding bifidobacteria and their impact on human health. It seeks to highlight the latest research findings, emerging trends, and future directions in this rapidly evolving field. By addressing a wide range of topics, this research aims to deepen our understanding of the intricate mechanisms through which bifidobacteria influence gut health, immune function, and overall well-being. Specific questions to be explored include the roles of bifidobacteria in the gut-brain axis, their probiotic and postbiotic potential, and the impact of external factors on their ecology.

To gather further insights into the multifaceted roles of bifidobacteria, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Bifidobacteria and the Gut-Brain Axis: Exploring the intricate connections between bifidobacteria and the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network influencing mental and emotional well-being.
- Probiotic and Postbiotic Potential of bifidobacteria in the Gut: Unveiling the multifaceted benefits of bifidobacteria as probiotics and postbiotics in promoting gut health and preventing various health conditions.
- Impact of External Factors on bifidobacterial Ecology: Investigating how external factors, such as diet, prebiotics, antibiotics, environmental exposures, and aging, influence bifidobacterial populations and their health implications.
- Bifidobacteria in Pediatric or Elderly Human Health: Examining the unique roles of bifidobacteria in maintaining gut health and overall well-being during critical life stages, such as infancy and old age.
- Multi-Omics Approaches in bifidobacterial Research: Harnessing the power of multi-omics, an integrative approach combining genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to unravel the molecular intricacies of bifidobacteria and their interactions with the host.
- Metabolic Functions of bifidobacteria: Deciphering the diverse metabolic activities of bifidobacteria, including nutrient metabolism, immune modulation, and pathogen inhibition, contributing to gut homeostasis and overall health.
- Genomic Insights into bifidobacterial Diversity: Exploring the genomic diversity of bifidobacteria, revealing their unique genetic adaptations and potential health applications.
- Communication Mechanisms Between bifidobacteria and Host Cells: Elucidating the intricate communication mechanisms between bifidobacteria and host cells, enabling them to influence host physiology and immune responses.

We encourage authors to present novel findings, critical insights, and future directions that will advance the understanding of bifidobacteria and their impact on human health.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: gut microbiota, gut-brain axis, probiotics, postbiotics, multi-omics, metabolic functions, genomic diversity, communication mechanisms

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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