The microbiota is a dynamic and highly plastic ecosystem with important roles in the health and disease of its host. Perturbations (e.g., pathogen infection, antimicrobials) may induce changes in the microbiota taxonomic composition and functional capacity, disrupting its dynamic homeostasis. However, these changes aren't always detrimental and may help the host cope with various forms of stress. Current omics technologies, particularly when used in combination, have become invaluable for unveiling the processes governing microbial dynamics. Creative applications of omics, together with the use of synthetic microbial communities and innovative systems (i.e., Organs-on-a-chip, Microbiome-on-a-Chip) are likely to further advance research in this area.
Deciphering microbiota responses, particularly their functional reconfiguration following changes in the environment, could contribute to a better understanding of the host response. In addition, this could provide a critical knowledge base for developing innovative microbiota-based solutions to promote health and prevent dysbiosis.
We are inviting the submission of Original Articles and Reviews, Perspectives, and Commentaries furthering our understanding of this topic. Areas covered include, but are not limited to:
- all aspects of measuring and interpreting microbiota taxonomic and functional dynamics in response to environmental perturbations
- functional implications of microbiota shifts
- findings in the context of understanding how microbiota homeostasis is regulated
- the interplay between microbiota homeostasis and host health and resilience
The microbiota is a dynamic and highly plastic ecosystem with important roles in the health and disease of its host. Perturbations (e.g., pathogen infection, antimicrobials) may induce changes in the microbiota taxonomic composition and functional capacity, disrupting its dynamic homeostasis. However, these changes aren't always detrimental and may help the host cope with various forms of stress. Current omics technologies, particularly when used in combination, have become invaluable for unveiling the processes governing microbial dynamics. Creative applications of omics, together with the use of synthetic microbial communities and innovative systems (i.e., Organs-on-a-chip, Microbiome-on-a-Chip) are likely to further advance research in this area.
Deciphering microbiota responses, particularly their functional reconfiguration following changes in the environment, could contribute to a better understanding of the host response. In addition, this could provide a critical knowledge base for developing innovative microbiota-based solutions to promote health and prevent dysbiosis.
We are inviting the submission of Original Articles and Reviews, Perspectives, and Commentaries furthering our understanding of this topic. Areas covered include, but are not limited to:
- all aspects of measuring and interpreting microbiota taxonomic and functional dynamics in response to environmental perturbations
- functional implications of microbiota shifts
- findings in the context of understanding how microbiota homeostasis is regulated
- the interplay between microbiota homeostasis and host health and resilience
