About this Research Topic
Symbiosis is a selective force behind evolution, which affords creative ways to survive in very dynamic and multiplex environments, such as marine ecosystems. Unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes can enhance their limited metabolic networks by associating with microbial partners with expanded biochemical pathways. Some of these microbes display autotrophic capabilities through the use of light (phototroph) or inorganic chemical substances (chemotroph) to synthesize organic compounds. Other symbionts, that can as well be heterotrophic, perform nutrients recycling participating to the biogeochemical cycles (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorous cycles of our oceans). Further, microbial transformations of (bio)molecular compounds allow the management and removal of metabolic waste, detoxification mechanisms, or the production of bioactive compounds for the secondary metabolism. All these biochemical networks, intermediate and end products, energetic, detoxifying and bioactive capabilities become potentially available to the whole interconnected multi-organismal entity called holobiont.
There are still many gaps to be addressed empirically, and many examples of functional symbiosis to be discovered and described. The sole presence of certain microbial taxa, molecule or bioactivity within a host is not enough to understand symbiosis. In order to describe the functional nature of these interactions we need to combine approaches and interconnect the various biological players. This Topic collection aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the diverse compartments of symbiosis, including the biological players, their metabolic exchanges and crosstalk signaling chemical cues, and any genomic mechanisms mediating these interactions in the sea. The goal of this topic research is to interconnect the advancing knowledge in marine symbiotic interactions. This may allow to understand how such partnerships facilitate life across the habitat diversification of our oceans, and the generation of new niches and opportunities in the face of future scenarios of anthropogenic pressure and climate change.
We welcome submissions that approach any (but not strictly limited) of the following subtopics below:
1. Symbiotic homeostasis:
◦ Trophic symbioses and metabolic exchange for nourishment;
◦ Secondary metabolism and symbioses implications in chemical defense, photoprotection, and chemical cues for communication;
2. Dysbiosis and disease:
◦ Microbial dysbiosis and holobiont fitness consequences;
◦ Disease and immune roles of the microbiomes;
3. The role of symbiosis in environmental acclimatization:
◦ Dynamics in holobiont compartments in the face of changing conditions;
◦ Transgenerational symbiotic adaptations to different environments;
Researchers, students and early career scientists are welcomed to submit original articles, reviews, short communications and opinion perspective papers addressing any of the themes above mentioned.
There are still many gaps to be addressed empirically, and many examples of functional symbiosis to be discovered and described. The sole presence of certain microbial taxa, molecule or bioactivity within a host is not enough to understand symbiosis. In order to describe the functional nature of these interactions we need to combine approaches and interconnect the various biological players. This Topic collection aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the diverse compartments of symbiosis, including the biological players, their metabolic exchanges and crosstalk signaling chemical cues, and any genomic mechanisms mediating these interactions in the sea. The goal of this topic research is to interconnect the advancing knowledge in marine symbiotic interactions. This may allow to understand how such partnerships facilitate life across the habitat diversification of our oceans, and the generation of new niches and opportunities in the face of future scenarios of anthropogenic pressure and climate change.
We welcome submissions that approach any (but not strictly limited) of the following subtopics below:
1. Symbiotic homeostasis:
◦ Trophic symbioses and metabolic exchange for nourishment;
◦ Secondary metabolism and symbioses implications in chemical defense, photoprotection, and chemical cues for communication;
2. Dysbiosis and disease:
◦ Microbial dysbiosis and holobiont fitness consequences;
◦ Disease and immune roles of the microbiomes;
3. The role of symbiosis in environmental acclimatization:
◦ Dynamics in holobiont compartments in the face of changing conditions;
◦ Transgenerational symbiotic adaptations to different environments;
Researchers, students and early career scientists are welcomed to submit original articles, reviews, short communications and opinion perspective papers addressing any of the themes above mentioned.
Keywords: Marine Holobionts, Symbiosis, Symbionts, Functional Symbiosis, Marine Interactions
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.
