Genomics and Gene Expression of the Oral Microbiome
A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbial Genetics and Genomics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2026 | Viewed by 89
Special Issue Editors
Interests: oral microbiology; bacteriophage
Interests: immunology; cell biology; microbiology; host–microorganism interaction; stress; cell apoptosis; cell autophagy; cell necrosis; biomaterial and medicine; chronic inflammation; diabetes
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The oral cavity harbors a complex and dynamic microbial community that colonizes both mineralized tissues and mucosal surfaces, all continuously bathed in saliva. This aqueous environment fosters dense metabolic and genetic interactions, supporting the development of structured biofilms. The oral microbiome is thus shaped by constantly changing factors such as diet, hygiene practices, salivary flow, and pH fluctuations.
Within this evolving ecosystem, microbial populations interact through quorum sensing, nutrient competition, and horizontal gene transfer, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between eubiosis and dysbiosis. While eubiosis supports oral health, dysbiosis has been linked to diseases such as caries and periodontitis.
Biofilms forming on mineralized surfaces are particularly conducive to gene exchange, making the oral cavity a true hotspot for horizontal gene transfer. These cohesive microbial communities promote the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and the emergence of adaptive traits, contributing to microbial resilience and ecological versatility.
Recent advances in genomics and meta-transcriptomics have revealed the remarkable transcriptional plasticity of the oral microbiome, enabling rapid functional responses to environmental stressors. The expanding concept of the pangemome, including both core and accessory genes, has shown how strains within a species may differ substantially in virulence potential, antimicrobial resistance, and niche-specific adaptations.
Adding to this complexity, bacteriophages, integral yet often underexplored components of the oral ecosystem, mediate gene transfer through transduction and influence microbial population dynamics. As research on the oral phageome progresses, it continues to uncover new layers of interaction and genetic plasticity that shape this intricate microbial landscape.
This Special Issue welcomes original research and review articles on “Genomics and Gene Expression of the Oral Microbiome,” with a focus on the molecular mechanisms that shape its composition, function, and adaptability. We look forward to your contributions.
Dr. Johan Samot
Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Rouabhia
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- oral microbiome
- gene expression regulation
- metagenomics
- transcriptome
- horizontal gene transfer
- antimicrobial resistance
- biofilms
- bacteriophages
- virulence factors
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