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Radiation Resistance in Extremophile Bacteria: Unraveling the Molecular Mysteries

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2025 | Viewed by 807

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Radiation resistance in extremophiles is a topic of intrigue for scientists worldwide. These microorganisms, often found in the harshest environments on Earth, possess unique molecular mechanisms that allow them to survive and thrive under extreme radiation conditions.

From microscopic extremophile bacteria to enigmatic fungi and other eukaryotes, a diverse cadre of life forms showcases a remarkable resistance to radiation, challenging our understanding of biological limits.

This Special Issue delves into the molecular world of these resilient beings, aiming to unravel the secrets behind their unique capabilities.

This Special Issue is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted world of radiation-resistant extremophiles. Through in-depth genome analyses, we aim to identify the genetic underpinnings of their resistance. RNAseq studies will shed light on their dynamic responses to radiation at the transcriptomic level, while proteomic investigations will reveal the functional proteins that play pivotal roles in their survival. Furthermore, by comparing radiation-resistant strains with their susceptible counterparts, we hope to pinpoint the evolutionary events and molecular innovations that conferred this remarkable trait.

This Special Issue aims to compile a comprehensive collection of research articles, reviews, and short communications that provide a holistic view of radiation resistance in extremophiles. By understanding the molecular, genetic, and evolutionary aspects of these fascinating organisms, we can harness their potential for various applications and further our understanding of life's resilience in the face of extreme challenges.

Topics of Interest:

  1. Genome analysis of radiation-resistant extremophiles
  2. RNAseq insights into radiation responses
  3. Proteomic profiles of radiation resistance
  4. Comparative molecular analyses
  5. Genetic and metabolic adaptations
  6. Evolutionary trajectories of radiation resistance.

Dr. Sathiyaraj Srinivasan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • extremophiles
  • radiation resistance
  • genome analysis
  • RNAseq
  • proteome studies
  • comparative analysis
  • molecular mechanisms
  • genetic adaptation
  • metabolic shifts
  • evolutionary insights
  • eukaryotic resistance

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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19 pages, 4704 KiB  
Article
Adapting to UV: Integrative Genomic and Structural Analysis in Bacteria from Chilean Extreme Environments
by Mauricio Núñez, Antonia Naciff, Fabián Cuadros, Constanza Rojas, Gastón Carvallo and Carolina Yáñez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125842 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
Extremophilic bacteria from extreme environments, such as the Atacama Desert, Salar de Huasco, and Antarctica, exhibit adaptations to intense UV radiation. In this study, we investigated the genomic and structural mechanisms underlying UV resistance in three bacterial isolates identified as Bacillus velezensis PQ169, [...] Read more.
Extremophilic bacteria from extreme environments, such as the Atacama Desert, Salar de Huasco, and Antarctica, exhibit adaptations to intense UV radiation. In this study, we investigated the genomic and structural mechanisms underlying UV resistance in three bacterial isolates identified as Bacillus velezensis PQ169, Pseudoalteromonas sp. AMH3-8, and Rugamonas violacea T1-13. Through integrative genomic analyses, we identified key genes involved in DNA-repair systems, pigment production, and spore formation. Phylogenetic analyses of aminoacidic sequences of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) system revealed conserved evolutionary patterns, indicating their essential role across diverse bacterial taxa. Structural modeling of photolyases from Pseudoalteromonas sp. AMH3-8 and R. violacea T1-13 provided further insights into protein function and interactions critical for DNA repair and UV resistance. Additionally, the presence of a complete violacein operon in R. violacea T1-13 underscores pigment biosynthesis as a crucial protective mechanism. In B. velezensis PQ169, we identified the complete set of genes responsible for sporulation, suggesting that sporulation may represent a key protective strategy employed by this bacterium in response to environmental stress. Our comprehensive approach underscores the complexity and diversity of microbial adaptations to UV stress, offering potential biotechnological applications and advancing our understanding of microbial resilience in extreme conditions. Full article
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