The Mechanistic Study of Microbial Adaptation

Microbes endure different environmental conditions. They adapt to changes in pH, temperature, states of surrounding matters (liquid or solid) and antimicrobial agents etc. The mechanistic studies of microbial adaptation reveal how microbes resist a harmful environment including the presence of antibiotics or other toxins, the stress from immune defense and competition with other organisms. Molecular studies of microbial adaptation also uncover how microbes switch their life styles in response to different environmental cues such as forming biofilm or becoming virulent. In addition, studies of microbial adaptation also led to the discovery of new tools for gene manipulation, protein engineering and development novel biosensors. As such, to understand the mechanism of microbial adaptation will benefit us to manipulate and utilize microbes for the profit of human beings.

This special issue is dedicated to the molecular basis of microbial adaptation. We aim to select the most current researches that focus on the molecular mechanisms of microbial adaptation, including but not limited to the structural and genetic study of microbial signaling, biofilm formation, microbial motility, antibiotic resistance and pathogenic virulence. Methods and novel techniques that result in mechanistic study are also encouraged.

Articles discussing methodology, and reviews of the current state of knowledge and possibilities for future research, are especially welcome. Moreover, this issue will publish reviews and research articles. There is no restriction on the length of the papers. Full experimental and methodological details, as applicable, must be provided.