The study of microbial systems has undergone a transformative shift with the integration of advanced imaging techniques, particularly mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and other multimodal approaches. Mass spectrometry imaging methods such as Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization(MALDI), Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI), and Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) enable researchers to probe microbial communities with unprecedented spatial resolution. Coupled with complementary techniques like Micro Computed Tomography (micro-CT), Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), and Immunofluorescence (IF), a comprehensive understanding of microbial interactions, biofilm formation, pathogenesis, and the identification of biomarkers is now within reach.
The introduced Research Topic aims to address the challenges associated with understanding the intricate dynamics of microbial systems. Traditional approaches often fall short in providing comprehensive spatial and molecular information crucial for unraveling microbial cross-talks. Recent advances in MSI, including MALDI, DESI, IMC, and data fusion algorithms, have revolutionized our ability to visualize the molecular composition of microbial communities with unprecedented spatial detail. This allows for the identification of specific molecules and their spatial distribution within complex microbial landscapes. Additionally, the integration of multimodal imaging approaches such as Micro-CT, FISH, and IF provides complementary structural and contextual information, enabling a holistic understanding of microbial systems. By bringing together these cutting-edge techniques, we aim to explore how spatially resolved imaging can enhance our comprehension of microbial behaviors. Investigating microbial systems at the spatial level not only advances our fundamental understanding but also holds potential implications for developing targeted interventions, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies. This collection aims to highlight recent breakthroughs in the field and stimulate further research that integrates diverse imaging modalities for a more comprehensive exploration of the microbial world.
We invite contributors to delve into various themes within this overarching topic, including but not limited to:
1. microbial Interactions,
2. biofilm formation,
3. pathogenesis,
4. biomarker identification,
5. host-pathogen interactions.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers that showcase the integration of mass spectrometry imaging and multimodal techniques for spatially resolved microbial studies. Manuscripts should present novel insights, methodological advancements, and applications contributing to the evolving landscape of microbial research. Through this collection, we aim to foster interdisciplinary discussions and propel the field forward by emphasizing the integration of diverse imaging modalities to achieve a holistic understanding of microbial systems.
We would like to acknowledge Dr. Michael Tuck (Baylor College of Medicine) for his key role as the Research Topic Coordinator for "Navigating the Microbial Landscape: Integrating Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Other Multimodal Imaging Approaches for Spatially Resolved Microbial Studies" in the Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology journal. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Maureen Feucherolles (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology) for her pivotal role in shaping, building, and preparing the description of this Research Topic.
Prof. Peter Verhaert declares to hold patent related to biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug development, and is the founder of ProteoFormiX. The other Topic Editor and Topic Coordinator declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords:
Mass spectrometry imaging, multimodal imaging, spatial omics, microbial interactions, microbiology, imaging techniques, molecular imaging
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.
The study of microbial systems has undergone a transformative shift with the integration of advanced imaging techniques, particularly mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and other multimodal approaches. Mass spectrometry imaging methods such as Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization(MALDI), Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI), and Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) enable researchers to probe microbial communities with unprecedented spatial resolution. Coupled with complementary techniques like Micro Computed Tomography (micro-CT), Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), and Immunofluorescence (IF), a comprehensive understanding of microbial interactions, biofilm formation, pathogenesis, and the identification of biomarkers is now within reach.
The introduced Research Topic aims to address the challenges associated with understanding the intricate dynamics of microbial systems. Traditional approaches often fall short in providing comprehensive spatial and molecular information crucial for unraveling microbial cross-talks. Recent advances in MSI, including MALDI, DESI, IMC, and data fusion algorithms, have revolutionized our ability to visualize the molecular composition of microbial communities with unprecedented spatial detail. This allows for the identification of specific molecules and their spatial distribution within complex microbial landscapes. Additionally, the integration of multimodal imaging approaches such as Micro-CT, FISH, and IF provides complementary structural and contextual information, enabling a holistic understanding of microbial systems. By bringing together these cutting-edge techniques, we aim to explore how spatially resolved imaging can enhance our comprehension of microbial behaviors. Investigating microbial systems at the spatial level not only advances our fundamental understanding but also holds potential implications for developing targeted interventions, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies. This collection aims to highlight recent breakthroughs in the field and stimulate further research that integrates diverse imaging modalities for a more comprehensive exploration of the microbial world.
We invite contributors to delve into various themes within this overarching topic, including but not limited to:
1. microbial Interactions,
2. biofilm formation,
3. pathogenesis,
4. biomarker identification,
5. host-pathogen interactions.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers that showcase the integration of mass spectrometry imaging and multimodal techniques for spatially resolved microbial studies. Manuscripts should present novel insights, methodological advancements, and applications contributing to the evolving landscape of microbial research. Through this collection, we aim to foster interdisciplinary discussions and propel the field forward by emphasizing the integration of diverse imaging modalities to achieve a holistic understanding of microbial systems.
We would like to acknowledge Dr. Michael Tuck (Baylor College of Medicine) for his key role as the Research Topic Coordinator for "Navigating the Microbial Landscape: Integrating Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Other Multimodal Imaging Approaches for Spatially Resolved Microbial Studies" in the Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology journal. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Maureen Feucherolles (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology) for her pivotal role in shaping, building, and preparing the description of this Research Topic.
Prof. Peter Verhaert declares to hold patent related to biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug development, and is the founder of ProteoFormiX. The other Topic Editor and Topic Coordinator declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords:
Mass spectrometry imaging, multimodal imaging, spatial omics, microbial interactions, microbiology, imaging techniques, molecular imaging
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.