Marine Microbial Ecology: Insights from Bioactive Compounds and Bioinformatics

Marine microbial ecology is a burgeoning field that delves into the intricate relationships between microorganisms and other marine life forms, such as plants, algae, and animals. These microorganisms play pivotal roles in marine ecosystems, influencing plant and algal growth, nutrient cycling, and forming symbiotic relationships crucial for coral reef health. A significant aspect of this field is the study of bioactive compounds produced by marine microorganisms, which can serve as defense mechanisms or facilitate interspecies interactions. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of these compounds in medicine, biotechnology, and ecological conservation. However, despite these advancements, there remains a gap in fully understanding the ecological roles of these microorganisms and the biosynthetic pathways of their bioactive compounds. Addressing these gaps is essential for comprehending the broader implications of microbial interactions in marine ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.

This research topic aims to explore the potential of marine microorganisms as sources of bioactive compounds and to deepen our understanding of their ecological roles and interactions with other marine organisms. By employing advanced omics-based approaches, researchers can identify and characterize bioactive compounds, analyze genetic and metabolic profiles, and investigate the ecological functions of these microorganisms. The ultimate goal is to discover bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, while also enhancing our understanding of the ecological significance of marine microorganisms and their interactions within marine ecosystems.

To gather further insights in marine microbial ecology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Identification and characterization of bioactive compounds produced by marine microorganisms
- Ecological functions and interactions of marine microorganisms with other marine organisms
- Bioprospecting of marine microorganisms for bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine and biotechnology
- Advances in omics-based approaches for the study of marine microorganisms

We encourage submissions that utilize interdisciplinary approaches, including microbiology, bioinformatics, and ecology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic field.

Keywords: Marine microbiology; Microbial ecology; Secondary metabolites; Bioinformatics; Metagenomics; Genomics; Transcriptomics

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.