Life at High Salinity: Biology of Halophilic Bacteria and Archaea

Hypersaline environments, such as solar salterns, soda lakes, deep-sea brines, salt mines, salted foods, and dry soils, are among the most challenging habitats on Earth. Once thought to be lifeless, they are now known to support diverse communities of salt-loving (halophilic) Bacteria and Archaea. Studies of these organisms have revealed key strategies for osmotic balance, as well as protein and membrane stability under high-salt conditions.Halophiles play important roles in biogeochemical cycles, microbial interactions, and ecosystem functioning. They also serve as useful models for exploring the limits of life on Earth and beyond. Despite recent progress, key questions remain about their molecular adaptation, community structure, and evolution under multiple extreme conditions.This Research Topic aims to bring together current research on the biology of halophilic prokaryotes, covering ecological, physiological, evolutionary, and applied aspects. We seek to improve understanding of how halophilic Bacteria and Archaea adapt to high salinity, interact within communities, and contribute to ecosystem processes.We welcome studies on osmoadaptation, genome diversity, metabolic flexibility, and responses to changing salinity, as well as applications in biotechnology, including enzyme production and the synthesis of valuable compounds.We invite original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, methods, hypotheses, and opinion papers. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:· Novel halophilic Bacteria and Archaea: Studies describing new taxa, including their isolation, characterization, and classification.· Microbial ecology in hypersaline environments: Research on the structure, diversity, and dynamics of microbial communities in high-salinity systems. This includes interactions among microorganisms and responses to environmental gradients.· Adaptation strategies to high salinity: Investigations into how halophiles cope with osmotic stress, including “salt-in” strategies and the use of compatible solutes.· Metabolic diversity of halophiles: Studies on metabolic pathways that support life under high salinity, including processes that contribute to energy production and nutrient cycling.· Viruses and mobile genetic elements: Studies on viruses, plasmids, and other mobile elements that influence gene transfer, adaptation, and evolution in halophilic systems.· Biotechnological applications of halophiles: Research on the use of halophiles or their products in biotechnology, such as extremozymes, bioactive compounds, and sustainable processes. Topic editors: Yan Liao, Weronika Goraj Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80900/life-at-high-salinity-biology-of-halophilic-bacteria-and-archaea