Microbial Taxonomy and Environmental Metagenomics: Diversity, Dynamics, and Functional Genes

Dear Colleagues, 

Environmental microbiology has entered a new era with the integration of conventional taxonomy and metagenomics. Classical approaches to microbial systematics remain essential for describing, naming, and organizing the vast diversity of archaea, bacteria, and fungi. At the same time, advances in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics now enable the reconstruction of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and the recovery of genetic information from uncultured microorganisms. These complementary strategies are reshaping our understanding of microbial evolution, ecology, and function. Metagenomics also allows us to go far beyond taxonomy. By directly accessing the collective genomes of microbial communities, researchers are uncovering the diversity and dynamics of microorganisms in soils, aquatic systems, extreme habitats, and engineered environments. Functional genes related to biogeochemical cycles, stress adaptation, antimicrobial resistance, secondary metabolism, and other traits of environmental and biotechnological interest are increasingly being revealed. This dual focus, on both microbial diversity and gene-level function, offers unprecedented insights into how microorganisms shape ecosystems and respond to global changes. The purpose of this Special Issue is to bring together original research and reviews on microbial taxonomy and diversity explored through both conventional and metagenomic approaches. We particularly welcome studies on the systematics of archaea, bacteria, and fungi; investigations into the structure and dynamics of microbial communities; and the discovery of functional genes of environmental importance. Methodological innovations and integrative studies that connect taxonomy, ecology, and function are also encouraged. By bridging classical taxonomy with metagenomic discoveries, this Special Issue aims to highlight the expanding frontiers of microbial diversity research.

Dr. Cassius V. Stevani
Dr. Renato Sanches Freire
Guest Editors

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• environmental microbiology
• metagenomics
• microbial diversity