BMC Genomic Data is calling for submission to our Collection, Bacterial data notes. Bacterial genomic data plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of microbial diversity, evolution, and pathogenicity. As we explore the complexity of the genetic makeup of bacteria, we uncover insights that inform public health initiatives, environmental monitoring, and biotechnological applications. The wealth of data generated through high-throughput sequencing technologies presents both opportunities and challenges, necessitating standardized methods for data sharing and interpretation. This Collection seeks to provide a platform for sharing valuable bacterial genomic data notes that contribute to the collective knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.

The significance of bacterial genomic data cannot be overstated in the context of global health, particularly in addressing antibiotic resistance (AMR) and the potential of biotechnology, especially through genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, which are derived from bacterial systems. Recent advances in genomics have led to breakthroughs in identifying antibiotic resistance genes, tracking infectious disease outbreaks, and exploring bacteria for bioremediation and bioengineering. For example, whole-genome sequencing has uncovered new resistance mechanisms in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while CRISPR-based tools allow rapid detection of resistance genes like blaNDM-1. Genomic sequencing has also been instrumental in tracking the spread of antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. In bioremediation, bacteria like Pseudomonas putida are being harnessed to degrade pollutants, and synthetic biology is enabling the production of biofuels and bioplastics through engineered bacteria, such as genetically modified E. coli strains or other bacterial species that have been engineered to mimic E. coli's characteristics, making them more efficient in industrial processes. Moreover, we welcome contributions that explore bacterial pathogens of veterinary relevance within a One Health framework, including genomic investigations of zoonotic potential, antimicrobial resistance surveillance across human–animal–environment interfaces, and genome-based diagnostic innovations in veterinary microbiology. Data notes focusing on comparative genomics of emerging veterinary pathogens, mobile genetic elements facilitating host adaptation, or high-throughput approaches for resistance gene detection in clinical and environmental settings are also encouraged.

The rapid dissemination of bacterial genomes through data notes is important for quickly sharing information and thus enabling collaboration. By publishing unpolished sequences and facilitating fast data exchange, these notes help create a more connected research community. Looking ahead, continued documentation of bacterial genomic data may lead to advancements in understanding genetic mechanisms behind bacterial resilience, developing new treatments, and responding to emerging infectious diseases. Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence could also refine how we analyze the data, offering new perspectives and insights into microbial ecology and evolution.

We invite contributions that examine a wide range of topics relating to bacterial data notes, including but not limited to:

Novel methods for bacterial genome annotation

New bacterial genomes

Comparative genomics of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains

Bacterial responses to environmental stressors

Characterization of antibiotic resistance genes

Identification and functional analysis of virulence factors in pathogens

Genomic insights into bacterial symbiosis and mutualism

Metagenomic approaches to studying bacterial communities in diverse environments

Advances in synthetic biology for bacterial applications in biotechnology

Phage-bacteria interactions and their genomic basis

Plasmidome and mobile genetic elements

Bacterial epigenomics and gene regulation

Genomics-informed approaches in veterinary microbiology and infectious disease surveillance

One Health-focused bacterial genome data integrating animal, human, and environmental sources

Genomic characterization of emerging zoonotic and veterinary pathogens

Data notes on antimicrobial resistance genes in veterinary clinical isolates

Whole-genome based taxonomic re-evaluation of bacterial species and subspecies

Genomic delineation and proposal of novel bacterial taxa

Phylogenomic approaches to resolve taxonomic ambiguities among closely related bacterial strains

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Genomic Data is calling for submission to our Collection, Synthetic genomes data notes. Synthetic genomes represent an exciting new area in genomics, merging principles from synthetic biology and genome engineering to create new organisms or modify existing ones to serve a specific purpose. This Collection invites research focused on the design, construction, and application of synthetic genomes, exploring how these engineered systems can advance our understanding of biology and enable new technologies. Manipulating genetic material can help shed light on fundamental biological processes, create enhanced metabolic pathways, and engineer organisms with tailored functionalities.

The significance of synthetic genomics extends beyond academic inquiry; it holds transformative potential for multiple sectors, including agriculture, medicine, and the protection of our environment. Recent advancements have demonstrated significant potential in tackling some of the world's most pressing issues. For instance, researchers have engineered synthetic genomes to enhance the capability of specific bacteria to break down plastic waste. These genetically modified bacteria produce enzymes that degrade plastics into harmless byproducts, offering a promising solution to reduce pollution and enhance recycling efforts. In the healthcare sector, synthetic genomes have been utilized to develop novel treatments for drug-resistant infections. The use of synthetic bacteriophages that specifically target and destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria, provides a new and effective alternative to traditional antibiotics while reducing the immune response traditionally associated with the use of bacteriophages.

Continued exploration in synthetic genomics may lead to breakthroughs in personalized medicine, where synthetic genes could be tailored to individual patients for improved therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we may witness the emergence of novel organisms designed to perform specific tasks, such as bioremediation or carbon capture, which could play a crucial role in addressing climate change and resource scarcity.

For research papers, please submit to our sister collection "Synthetic genomes" in BMC Genomics.

Data notes of interest include but are not limited to:

Engineering synthetic genomes for metabolic optimization

Advances in genome editing tools, like CRISPR and beyond

Applications of synthetic genes in medicine

Bioengineering strategies for sustainable agriculture

Advances in genome engineering technologies

Synthetic genomes for bioremediation and environmental applications

Development of synthetic organisms for carbon capture

Ethical considerations in synthetic genome research

Synthetic biology approaches for vaccine development

Innovations in genome assembly techniques

Use of synthetic genomes in biopharmaceutical production

Applications of synthetic genomics in microbial fuel cells

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.