BMC Genomics is calling for submissions to our Collection on Genomics of symbiosis. The study of symbiosis, particularly the genomic underpinnings of these complex interactions, has emerged as a pivotal area of research in understanding the relationships between organisms. Symbiosis encompasses a range of interactions, from mutualism to parasitism, and is crucial for the survival and evolution of many species, including both invertebrates and vertebrates. A well-documented example is the mutualistic association between sea anemones and clownfish, where the anemones provide protection for the fish, and the fish, in turn, help to ward off predators and parasites.

Recent advancements in genomic technologies have enabled researchers to dissect the genetic and molecular mechanisms that facilitate these interactions, revealing the intricate networks of collaboration between host organisms and their partners. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, which offer significantly lower costs compared to traditional Sanger sequencing, along with much higher throughput, has made it possible to sequence genomes at an unprecedented scale, leading to a rapid increase in available genomic data. This influx of genomic information has accelerated our understanding of symbiotic relationships by allowing researchers to explore the diversity of symbiotic organisms across species, uncover novel symbiotic genes, and gain insights into the evolutionary dynamics of these interactions.

Advancing our collective understanding of the genomics of symbiosis is essential for several reasons. It not only enhances our knowledge of ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes but also has significant implications for biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine. Important advances in this field include the identification of key genes involved in symbiotic relationships and the elucidation of metabolic pathways that support mutualistic interactions. These insights can inform strategies for harnessing beneficial symbioses in various applications, from improving crop resilience to developing novel therapeutics. For example, understanding the symbiotic relationship between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria has led to advances in sustainable agriculture by promoting natural nitrogen fertilization, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and enhancing crop productivity.

The growing availability of genomic data through advanced sequencing technologies is likely to reveal new, previously unrecognized symbiotic relationships. A recent example is the discovery of Syntretus perlmani, a parasitoid wasp that parasitizes adult fruit flies and manipulates the biology of its host to support its offspring's development. By adding more genomes to the databases, researchers can identify novel genetic markers and pathways that may indicate undiscovered associations between species. This could lead to breakthroughs in various fields, from ecology to biotechnology.

Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Genomic insights into mutualism

Bacterial symbionts in invertebrates

Evolutionary genomics of symbiotic relationships

Symbiotic fungi and their hosts

Genomic adaptations in vertebrate symbiosis

Genomic analysis of endosymbiotic relationships

The role of horizontal gene transfer in symbiotic interactions

Genomic adaptations to environmental stress in symbiotic systems

The impact of climate change on symbiotic relationships and their genomic responses

Comparative genomics of symbiotic organisms across different ecosystems

The role of epigenetics in symbiotic relationships

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land.

The study of microbiomes has emerged as a dynamic field at the intersection of genomics, ecology, and health sciences. Microbiomes encompass the diverse communities of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and unicellular eukaryotes, residing in various environments, such as the human body, food, soil, and aquatic systems. Understanding the genomic makeup of these microbiomes is crucial for unraveling their complex interactions with hosts and the environment. As advances in sequencing technologies, including single molecule sequencing, metagenomics and single cell omics, continue to evolve, researchers are better equipped to explore the rich genetic diversity (including pangenomes and epigenomes) and functional capacities of microbiomes across different ecosystems.

Investigating the genomics of microbiomes is pivotal for addressing critical questions in ecology, health, disease, and environmental sustainability. For instance, recent breakthroughs in the field have illustrated how microbiomes influence human health, from their roles in metabolism and immune function to their impact on mental health. Furthermore, understanding the genomics of environmental microbiomes can provide insights into biogeochemical processes and ecological resilience. As we deepen our knowledge of these microbial communities and develop computational biology methods to model their functionality, we stand to enhance our ability to harness their potential for applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental management.

Future research in this area holds the promise of transformative advances in our understanding of microbiomes. The integration of multi-omics approaches, combining genomics with transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, may lead to a holistic view of microbial community dynamics and their functional implications. Additionally, developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning could further accelerate discoveries, enabling the identification of novel microbial functions and their roles in health and disease. As we continue to explore these intricate relationships, we can anticipate innovative strategies for harnessing microbiomes for therapeutic and environmental applications.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Genomics and epigenomics of host-microbe interactions

X-omics studies in environmental and host-microbiomes

Advances in genomics of unculturable microorganisms

Genome-guided development of synthetic microbiomes and consortia

Microbiomes and environmental resilience: a genomic perspective

The human microbiome: genetic diversity and functional potential

Microbial adaptation and evolution in changing environments

The role of microbiomes in antibiotic resistance and pathogenesis

Computational and AI-driven methods for microbiome genomics

Microbiome applications in sustainable agriculture and environmental management