Environmental Microorganisms and Pathogen Infections

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental microorganisms play a critical role not only at the ecosystem level but also at the molecular level, where they participate in processes that shape pathogen emergence, virulence, and resistance. Increasing evidence shows that environmental microbiomes function as reservoirs and active exchangers of resistance determinants, including mobile genetic elements, plasmids, integrons, and transposons, which may be transferred to opportunistic or clinically relevant pathogens. Anthropogenic stressors such as chemical pollution, microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, and climate-related changes can modulate the expression of stress-response genes, genes encoding efflux pumps, biofilm-related operons, and virulence factors, thereby altering microbial interactions and pathogen behavior.

Molecular studies indicate that environmental stressors may induce horizontal gene transfer, shifts in quorum sensing activity, and changes in metabolic pathways, which collectively influence pathogen adaptability and infection potential. Recent advances in metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics allow us to explore these processes in unprecedented detail. However, despite this progress, there is still a need for integrative research linking gene-level mechanisms with microbial community structure and ecosystem-scale patterns.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences will present cutting-edge research focused on the molecular interactions between environmental microorganisms and pathogens, including mechanisms of genetic exchange, the regulation of virulence, functional gene expression under environmental stress, and molecular pathways underlying microbial adaptation. We encourage submissions that combine molecular biology with environmental microbiology, revealing how disturbances in environmental conditions influence the molecular foundations of infection dynamics.

Prof. Dr. Jadwiga Wyszkowska
Dr. Magdalena Zaborowska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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