Phage Evolution: Taxonomy, Origins, and Diversity
A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Bacterial Viruses".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 180
Special Issue Editors
Interests: bacteriophage evolution; viral taxonomy; phage diversity; phage genomics
Interests: bacteriophage research; Acinetobacter bacteriophages; bacteriophage genomics; biotechnology; taxonomy; phage-host interactions
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous and diverse entities, playing crucial roles in microbial ecosystems and driving bacterial evolution. While traditionally studied for their impact on bacterial hosts and potential as therapeutic agents, the evolutionary forces shaping phage populations and their genomes are increasingly recognized as critical for understanding their ecological roles and biotechnological applications. Bacteria have developed numerous defense mechanisms against phages, including restriction-modification systems, CRISPR-Cas systems, abortive infection systems, and cell surface modification. Phages evolve to overcome bacterial defense systems, for example, by acquiring genes that inactivate these systems or alter the structure of viral particles. But the “phage–bacterial host” system cannot be described solely as hostile parasite–victim relationships; through evolution, some phages have acquired the ability to transfer genes beneficial to bacteria. Phages also co-evolve with bacteria as they adapt to different ecological niches. The evolution of bacteriophages is also driven by their competition with each other. The complex nature of evolutionary processes in bacteriophages requires detailed and comprehensive study.
This Special Issue of Viruses titled “Phage Evolution: Taxonomy, Origins, and Diversity” aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research on the evolution of bacteriophages. We seek contributions that explore the dynamic processes influencing phage evolution, including, but not limited to the following:
- Phage Taxonomy and Phylogeny: Modern insights into phage classification and phylogenetic relationships.
- Origins and Evolution of Phage Genes and Genomes: Studies investigating the origin and evolution of phage genomes and genomic modules, and the sources of phage genetic material, including horizontal gene transfer, recombination, and de novo gene origination.
- Phage-Host Coevolution: Research exploring the interplay between phages and their bacterial hosts, focusing on the evolution of resistance mechanisms, counter-defense strategies, and the impact of phage predation on bacterial population dynamics.
- Phage Diversity and Ecology: Analyses of phage communities in various environments, examining factors driving phage diversity and the ecological consequences of phage evolution.
- Artificial Evolution of Phages: Studies using artificial evolution approaches to investigate the adaptive potential of phages under controlled conditions.
- Computational and Bioinformatic Approaches to Phage Evolution: Development and application of novel computational tools for analyzing phage genomes, predicting evolutionary trajectories, and understanding phage diversity.
Dr. Peter Evseev
Dr. Dann Turner
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- phage taxonomy and phylogeny
- origins and evolution of phage genes and genomes
- phage-host coevolution
- phage diversity and ecology
- artificial evolution of phages
- computational and bioinformatic approaches to phage evolution
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