Bacteriophages represent the most abundant biological entities in the biosphere and play a crucial role in controlling the number and biodiversity of bacterial populations. Furthermore, the majority of bacterial genomes contain bacteriophages in the prophage form, ranging from inducible intact prophages, over incomplete phage genomes to single moron genes of phage origin. The impact of bacteriophages on bacterial populations both under the lytic or lysogenic cycle within any given environment is characterized by a great degree of complexity. It can be discussed on different ecological levels: in the abiotic environment content, the interactions between phages and their hosts, as well as interactions between phages. Prophages influence the genetic diversity of bacteria and expand their phenotypic profile encoding proteins associated with resistance, virulence, defense, and toxicity. Additionally, phage-derived enzymes (like lysins or depolymerases) of prophage or lytic phage origin, which may be released into the environment, exert a consequential influence on the natural balance in bacterial ecosystems.
Phages and individual recombinant enzymes with antibacterial properties are utilized to modulate bacterial populations. This approach proves relevant in infection treatment, food preservation, and the eradication of bacteria, including biofilm, from various surfaces. Understanding the evolutionary-ecological interactions between bacteria and phages will not only facilitate the application of phage therapy but also enhance the utilization of products derived from phages.
In this Research Topic, we welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Methods, Perspectives, and Opinions, in the following areas:
• Prevalence and ecological significance of bacteriophages influencing bacterial population biodiversity and abundance
• The use of bacteriophages and phage enzymes to modulate and eradicate bacteria in various niches (including the natural and clinical environment, industries, and microbiome)
• Distribution and characteristics of prophages in terms of bacterial diversity
Bacteriophages represent the most abundant biological entities in the biosphere and play a crucial role in controlling the number and biodiversity of bacterial populations. Furthermore, the majority of bacterial genomes contain bacteriophages in the prophage form, ranging from inducible intact prophages, over incomplete phage genomes to single moron genes of phage origin. The impact of bacteriophages on bacterial populations both under the lytic or lysogenic cycle within any given environment is characterized by a great degree of complexity. It can be discussed on different ecological levels: in the abiotic environment content, the interactions between phages and their hosts, as well as interactions between phages. Prophages influence the genetic diversity of bacteria and expand their phenotypic profile encoding proteins associated with resistance, virulence, defense, and toxicity. Additionally, phage-derived enzymes (like lysins or depolymerases) of prophage or lytic phage origin, which may be released into the environment, exert a consequential influence on the natural balance in bacterial ecosystems.
Phages and individual recombinant enzymes with antibacterial properties are utilized to modulate bacterial populations. This approach proves relevant in infection treatment, food preservation, and the eradication of bacteria, including biofilm, from various surfaces. Understanding the evolutionary-ecological interactions between bacteria and phages will not only facilitate the application of phage therapy but also enhance the utilization of products derived from phages.
In this Research Topic, we welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Methods, Perspectives, and Opinions, in the following areas:
• Prevalence and ecological significance of bacteriophages influencing bacterial population biodiversity and abundance
• The use of bacteriophages and phage enzymes to modulate and eradicate bacteria in various niches (including the natural and clinical environment, industries, and microbiome)
• Distribution and characteristics of prophages in terms of bacterial diversity