Life beyond limits: Extremophiles and Astrobiology

Extremophile microbiomes thrive in environments once considered inhospitable to life, including extreme temperatures, salinity, pressure, radiation, and pH. Over the past decades, these microbial communities have reshaped our understanding of the limits of life on Earth, revealing remarkable biochemical and physiological adaptations that emerge from the interactions between their members. Their study has become central to astrobiology, as many extraterrestrial environments, such as Mars, icy moons, and subsurface oceans, share conditions analogue to terrestrial extremes. By investigating extremophile microbiomes as integrated communities rather than isolated taxa, scientists can better define the boundaries of habitability and refine models for life detection beyond Earth. This growing field integrates microbiology, molecular biology, ecology, and planetary science, offering key insights into both the origin and persistence of life in the universe.This Research Topic aims to explore the diversity, adaptation strategies, and functional potential of extremophile microbiomes in the context of astrobiology. It seeks to bring together interdisciplinary contributions that address how microbial communities persist under extreme conditions and how such knowledge can inform the search for life beyond Earth. Particular emphasis is placed on bridging laboratory studies, field investigations in extreme environments, and theoretical or modeling approaches relevant to planetary habitability. The collection will highlight advances in community-level genomics, metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and systems biology of extremophile microbiomes, as well as experimental simulations of extraterrestrial conditions. It also aims to promote discussion on biosignatures, life-detection technologies, and analogue environments on Earth.We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspective papers addressing all aspects of extremophiles relevant to astrobiology. Topics of interest include:- Molecular and cellular adaptation mechanisms;- Microbiome diversity and community dynamics in extreme environments;- Omics-based approaches;- Experimental simulations of space or planetary conditions;- Biosignatures and life-detection strategies.Submissions integrating multiple disciplines or combining experimental and theoretical approaches are particularly encouraged. Studies focusing on novel methodologies, innovative technologies, or emerging concepts in the field are also welcome. All manuscripts will undergo rigorous peer review in accordance with the journal’s standards. Authors are encouraged to clearly highlight the astrobiological relevance and broader implications of their work Topic editors: Claudia Pacelli, Amanda G. Bendia, Alessia Cassaro Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79923/life-beyond-limits-extremophiles-and-astrobiology