Microorganisms make up for the vast majority of biomass on Earth, yet it is estimated that over 99% of microbial species are not present in pure cultures and thus their genomic potential remains largely unknown. Such uncultured microorganisms are referred to as Microbial Dark Matter (MDM) and currently can only be studied by using culture-independent methods. There is insufficient genomic data available for many microbial taxa and as such their potential metabolism, ecological roles and function remain unclear. MDM may include lineages that play key roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning in environments such as Antarctica and the deep seafloor.
This Research Topic will aim to explore recent advances in the study of MDM which will provide further understanding required for the eventual cultivation of MDM lineages. This will also allow for knowledge on MDM species metabolism, evolutionary history and what role they play in the ecosystem.
Subjects of interest include but are not limited to:
• Genome analysis from environmental samples through culture-independent methods e.g. single cell genomics or metagenomics;
• Insights into evolutionary history and metabolism of sequenced genomes;
• Study and identification of uncultured microorganisms from various environments e.g. deep sea, soil, freshwater, gut etc;
• Identification of bacterial, archaeal, and viral dark matter from extreme habitats such as polar regions, deep seafloor and hydrothermal vents.
This Research Topic welcomes submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Opinion, Methods and Perspective articles.
Microorganisms make up for the vast majority of biomass on Earth, yet it is estimated that over 99% of microbial species are not present in pure cultures and thus their genomic potential remains largely unknown. Such uncultured microorganisms are referred to as Microbial Dark Matter (MDM) and currently can only be studied by using culture-independent methods. There is insufficient genomic data available for many microbial taxa and as such their potential metabolism, ecological roles and function remain unclear. MDM may include lineages that play key roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning in environments such as Antarctica and the deep seafloor.
This Research Topic will aim to explore recent advances in the study of MDM which will provide further understanding required for the eventual cultivation of MDM lineages. This will also allow for knowledge on MDM species metabolism, evolutionary history and what role they play in the ecosystem.
Subjects of interest include but are not limited to:
• Genome analysis from environmental samples through culture-independent methods e.g. single cell genomics or metagenomics;
• Insights into evolutionary history and metabolism of sequenced genomes;
• Study and identification of uncultured microorganisms from various environments e.g. deep sea, soil, freshwater, gut etc;
• Identification of bacterial, archaeal, and viral dark matter from extreme habitats such as polar regions, deep seafloor and hydrothermal vents.
This Research Topic welcomes submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Opinion, Methods and Perspective articles.
