BMC Genomic Data is calling for submission to our Collection, Bacterial data notes. Bacterial genomic data plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of microbial diversity, evolution, and pathogenicity. As we explore the complexity of the genetic makeup of bacteria, we uncover insights that inform public health initiatives, environmental monitoring, and biotechnological applications. The wealth of data generated through high-throughput sequencing technologies presents both opportunities and challenges, necessitating standardized methods for data sharing and interpretation. This Collection seeks to provide a platform for sharing valuable bacterial genomic data notes that contribute to the collective knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.
The significance of bacterial genomic data cannot be overstated in the context of global health, particularly in addressing antibiotic resistance (AMR) and the potential of biotechnology, especially through genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, which are derived from bacterial systems. Recent advances in genomics have led to breakthroughs in identifying antibiotic resistance genes, tracking infectious disease outbreaks, and exploring bacteria for bioremediation and bioengineering. For example, whole-genome sequencing has uncovered new resistance mechanisms in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while CRISPR-based tools allow rapid detection of resistance genes like blaNDM-1. Genomic sequencing has also been instrumental in tracking the spread of antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. In bioremediation, bacteria like Pseudomonas putida are being harnessed to degrade pollutants, and synthetic biology is enabling the production of biofuels and bioplastics through engineered bacteria, such as genetically modified E. coli strains or other bacterial species that have been engineered to mimic E. coli's characteristics, making them more efficient in industrial processes. Moreover, we welcome contributions that explore bacterial pathogens of veterinary relevance within a One Health framework, including genomic investigations of zoonotic potential, antimicrobial resistance surveillance across human–animal–environment interfaces, and genome-based diagnostic innovations in veterinary microbiology. Data notes focusing on comparative genomics of emerging veterinary pathogens, mobile genetic elements facilitating host adaptation, or high-throughput approaches for resistance gene detection in clinical and environmental settings are also encouraged.
The rapid dissemination of bacterial genomes through data notes is important for quickly sharing information and thus enabling collaboration. By publishing unpolished sequences and facilitating fast data exchange, these notes help create a more connected research community. Looking ahead, continued documentation of bacterial genomic data may lead to advancements in understanding genetic mechanisms behind bacterial resilience, developing new treatments, and responding to emerging infectious diseases. Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence could also refine how we analyze the data, offering new perspectives and insights into microbial ecology and evolution.
We invite contributions that examine a wide range of topics relating to bacterial data notes, including but not limited to:
- Novel methods for bacterial genome annotation
- New bacterial genomes
- Comparative genomics of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains
- Bacterial responses to environmental stressors
- Characterization of antibiotic resistance genes
- Identification and functional analysis of virulence factors in pathogens
- Genomic insights into bacterial symbiosis and mutualism
- Metagenomic approaches to studying bacterial communities in diverse environments
- Advances in synthetic biology for bacterial applications in biotechnology
- Phage-bacteria interactions and their genomic basis
- Plasmidome and mobile genetic elements
- Bacterial epigenomics and gene regulation
- Genomics-informed approaches in veterinary microbiology and infectious disease surveillance
- One Health-focused bacterial genome data integrating animal, human, and environmental sources
- Genomic characterization of emerging zoonotic and veterinary pathogens
- Data notes on antimicrobial resistance genes in veterinary clinical isolates
- Whole-genome based taxonomic re-evaluation of bacterial species and subspecies
- Genomic delineation and proposal of novel bacterial taxa
- Phylogenomic approaches to resolve taxonomic ambiguities among closely related bacterial strains
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
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