Reviews, Perspectives, and Commentaries in Marine and Freshwater Fungi

The study of marine and freshwater fungi represents an expanding frontier within aquatic microbiology, revealing their remarkable diversity and wide-ranging ecological significance. Recent advances have illuminated the roles of aquatic fungi as key contributors to ecosystem functioning, from decomposing organic matter to mediating energy and nutrient cycles across oceans, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and sediments. Yet, the complexities of their evolutionary history, ecological interactions, and physiological adaptations remain only partially understood. Ongoing debates persist on the taxonomy and systematics of these organisms, the mechanisms underlying their dispersal and survival in diverse habitats, and the manner in which global change is influencing their assemblages. Emerging methodologies, including multi-omics and culturomics, have begun to uncover novel lineages and functional traits, but the integration of these approaches with traditional techniques is still developing. This Research Topic aims to reflect on, integrate, and critically assess the current state of knowledge regarding the biology, diversity, and functional roles of marine and freshwater fungi. It will foster interdisciplinary dialogue by bringing together work that addresses the evolutionary, ecological, and physiological dimensions of aquatic fungi, with emphasis on identifying methodological best practices and highlighting conceptual advances. Central questions include how fungi influence and are influenced by their changing aquatic environments and biotic relationships, as well as how their activities translate into ecosystem processes at multiple scales. Contributions are encouraged to contextualize emerging evidence, bridge knowledge gaps, and chart new directions for research by combining rigorous synthesis with forward-looking perspectives. To gather further insights in this rapidly developing field, we seek submissions that focus specifically on marine and freshwater fungi, excluding marginally related groups or primarily terrestrial systems. We welcome work that spans broad ecological, evolutionary, and applied themes, including, but not limited to: Taxonomy, systematics, and phylogeny of aquatic Fungi. Biogeography and community ecology in aquatic habitats. Life cycles, dispersal, and adaptation strategies. Interactions with host organisms (algae, seagrasses, invertebrates, fish, etc.). Pathogenesis, disease ecology, and impacts on aquatic health. Role in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem processes. Adaptations of extremophile and deep-sea fungi. Functional traits and physiological responses to stressors (salinity, temperature, oxygen, pollutants). Multi-omics and culturomics approaches connecting diversity and function. Bridging fundamental aquatic mycology with applied contexts (climate change, harmful algal blooms, fisheries and aquaculture, blue carbon, bioremediation, and conservation). Evaluation of methodological practices and priorities for future research. Submissions may include research, and responses that provide rigorous synthesis or critical reflections with field-wide value, including methodological evaluations and identification of key knowledge gaps and priorities. Topic editors: Nina Gunde - Cimerman Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78101/reviews-perspectives-and-commentaries-in-marine-and-freshwater-fungi