Targeting Metal Homeostasis for Treating Biofilm Infections

Biofilm-associated infections pose a significant challenge in clinical settings due to their resistance to conventional antibiotics and host immune responses. Recent advances in microbial physiology and host-pathogen interactions have revealed that metal homeostasis—including the regulation of iron, zinc, copper, and manganese—is a critical determinant of biofilm formation, persistence, and virulence.This Research Topic aims to advance the field by gathering innovative research focused on modulating microbial metal handling as a strategy to compromise biofilm integrity and improve infection outcomes. Key questions include how interfering with bacterial metal transport, efflux, and regulatory networks can sensitize biofilms to host defense mechanisms and antimicrobial agents, and to what extent host nutritional immunity shapes biofilm persistence and resistance phenotypes. By discussing both molecular and translational fronts, this initiative seeks to bridge existing knowledge gaps and stimulate the development of practical interventions.To gather further insights in the interface of microbial metal homeostasis and biofilm-related infection management, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Mechanistic studies of metal transport and regulation in biofilm-forming pathogens- Role of host-imposed metal limitation (nutritional immunity) in shaping biofilm dynamics- Development of metal chelators, metallophore analogs, and ionophores as anti-biofilm agents- Interplay between metal homeostasis and antibiotic resistance in biofilms- Imaging and analytical techniques for probing metal distribution in biofilms- Systems biology and omics approaches to metal-dependent biofilm regulation- Translational studies and clinical applications of metal-targeting therapiesBy focusing on this emerging therapeutic strategy, the collection seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate the development of novel anti-biofilm interventions. Topic editors: Songping Huang, Shifu Aggarwal, Nalin Abeydeera Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77811/targeting-metal-homeostasis-for-treating-biofilm-infections