Pathometabolism of Bacteria: Linking Infection and Metabolism

Microbial diseases have increasingly claimed a significant number of lives, as the number of deaths from infectious diseases has progressed to a concerning stage. This is primarily a result of an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With the advent of systems biology, our understanding of the role of metabolic regulators and metabolism during infection has advanced significantly. However, comprehensive and accessible literature on this subject has been long overdue. “Pathometabolism of Bacteria: Linking Infection and Metabolism” aims to compile the development, research, and applications of various aspects of metabolism (both host and pathogen) and their relationships to bring a broader picture. By bridging the gap between metabolic processes and how they contribute to infection, virulence, and survival, this book will cover various aspects of bacterial metabolism, including metabolic pathways, nutrient acquisition strategies, metabolic adaptation, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, omics methodologies, metabolic engineering, and therapeutic approaches. It also provides a deep understanding of regulatory pathways and environmental factors influencing both host and bacterial metabolism. The book will begin with an introduction to the foundational concept of metabolism in bacteria. The book progresses into specialized topics, like the role of bacterial metabolomics in pathogenesis and host interactions. Further, it explores how nutritional modulation impacts bacterial pathogenic pathways and how bacteria regulate virulence genes through metabolic controls, small RNAs, and quorum-sensing mechanisms. In the fight against bacterial infections, the book highlights potential therapeutic targets of bacterial pathogens, opening new avenues for antimicrobial development. A special focus is placed on immunometabolism, revealing how bacterial metabolism can reprogram the host immune system through gut microbiota interactions. The final chapters introduce cutting-edge approaches in systems biology and emerging metabolomic technologies, providing a glimpse into the future of real-time and single-cell metabolomic research. This book will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of metabolic factors and bacterial metabolism in the pathogenesis of bacterial infections, covering both fundamental concepts and cutting-edge research. It is intended for students, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of microbiology, infectious disease, bacterial genetics, and biotechnology, offering insights into how bacterial metabolic factors and metabolic processes can be harnessed for application in medicine and industry.