Wael N. Hozzein

This book is for the students starting their research projects in the field of metagenomics, for researchers interested in the new developments and applications in this field; and for teachers involved in teaching this subject. The book is divided into three sections as indicated from its title, namely; the basics of metagenomics, metagenomic analysis, and applications of metagenomics. It covers the basics of metagenomics from its history and background, to the analysis of metagenomic data as well as its recent applications in different fields. The book contains excellent texts at both the introductory and advanced levels, that describe the latest metagenomic approaches and applications, from sampling to data analysis for taxonomic, environmental, and medical studies. Finally, the publication of this book was an interesting journey for me and I hope the readers will enjoy reading it.

Basics, Methods and Applications

Metagenomics

Wen-Jun Li

Sheng Qin

Syed G. Dastager

Actinobacteria are highly diverse prokaryotes that are ubiquitous in soil, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Although various studies have focused on the ecology of this phylum, data are still scant on the diversity, abundance and ecology of actinobacteria endemic to special and extreme environments, such as gut, plant, alkaline saline soil, deep sea sediments, hot springs and other habitats. Actinobacteria are well-known producers of a vast array of secondary metabolites, many of which have useful applications in medicine and agriculture. Furthermore, actinobacteria also have diverse functions in different environments apart from antibiotic production. For example, actinobacteria are reported to contribute to the break-down and recycling of organic compounds. They play a significant role in fixation of nitrogen, improvement plant growth, biodegradation, bioremediation and environmental protection. Therefore, understanding the actinobacterial diversity and distribution in such special environments is important in deciphering the ecological roles of these microorganisms and for biotechnological bioprospecting. Recent advances in cultivation, DNA sequencing technologies and -omics (metagenomics, metaproteomics etc) methods have greatly contributed to the rapid advancement of our understanding of microbial diversity, function and they interactions with environment. Furthermore, comparative genomic studies can provide overall information about actinobacterial speciation, evolution, metabolism and environment adaptation mechanisms. This research topic comprising reviews and original articles highlights the recent advances regarding the unexpectedly diverse/rare group of actinobacteria with special selective isolation methods or culture-independent methods, as well as their biological activities, ecophysiologica function and mechanisms from diverse special and extreme environments.

Actinobacteria in Special and Extreme Habitats: Diversity, Function Roles and Environmental Adaptations

 Hans-Peter Klenk

Iftikhar Ahmed

Actinobacteria are well-known producers of a vast array of secondary metabolites. Compared with actinobacteria from temperate habitats, the community structure, diversity, biological activities and mechanisms of environmental adaptation of those actinobacteria in special and extreme environments are relatively unstudied and unclear, and their functions and utilization are even less reported. These actinobacteria are potential new sources of novel natural products and functions for exploitation in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Recent advances in cultivation, DNA sequencing technologies and -omics methods have greatly contributed to the rapid advancement of our understanding of microbial diversity, taxonomy, function and they interactions with environment. Following the success of the Research Topic “Actinobacteria in special and extreme habitats: diversity, functional roles and environmental adaptations” organized in 2015, we are happy to launch a second edition. This Research Topic second edition, comprising reviews and original articles, highlights recent discoveries on rare actinobacterial diversity, phylogenomics, biological compounds, ecological function and environmental adaptations of actinobacteria in special and extreme habitats; and broadens our knowledge of actinobacterial diversity and their ecophysiological function.

Actinobacteria in Special and Extreme Habitats: Diversity, Function Roles and Environmental Adaptations, Second Edition

Cyanobacteria are oxygenic organisms that play crucial roles in the cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. They are ideal model organisms for studying photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and other biological processes. In addition, cyanobacteria are well recognized for their potential for a variety of biotechnological applications. This book presents a comprehensive overview of this interesting and useful group of bacteria. Chapters discuss such topics as the molecular methods applied for identifying freshwater toxigenic cyanobacteria, the diverse industrial applications of cyanobacteria, the potential of cyanobacteria in wound healing, the production of a novel hemoglobin by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, and the diversity, distribution, and applications of cyanobacteria in the Brazilian coastline.

Wael N. Hozzein

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