About Gut Microbes

This is an exciting time for gastrointestinal microbiology. The recognition of Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastrointestinal disease earned a Nobel prize; the discovery of bacterial secretion systems and translocated effectors has unlocked numerous mechanisms of pathogenesis; the role of the commensal flora in many disease states, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and even obesity, is now accepted and will undoubtedly lead to new therapeutic strategies; the finding that eukaryotic cells perceive and respond to bacteria through the expression of Toll-like receptors and Nods is a major step toward understanding interactions between the host and gut microbiota or microbial pathogens; the discovery of quorum sensing as a means of communication between bacterial populations and even with host cells has provided insight into pathogenic mechanisms; and the recently NIH-initiated Human Microbiome Project will allow better understanding of the role of this complex intestinal community in human health and disease. On the clinical side, we are witnessing the emergence of more virulent strains of enteric pathogens, are beginning to explore the use of probiotics in the treatment of medical disorders, and are made increasingly aware of the presence of gut pathogens through the widespread outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. In short, this is the era of the gut!! As such, in January of 2010 Gut Microbes, the first international peer-reviewed journal of its kind to focus exclusively on microorganisms populating the intestine will be launched.

Gut Microbes will be a multi-disciplinary journal dedicated to bringing together basic and clinical research on all apects of microorganisms populating the intestine.

Journal topics will include:

Basic

1. Animal models of GI infection or GI-diseases with microbial component
2. Biofilms
3. Defining/profiling gut microbiome
4. Diagnostic testing for GI infections
5. Harnessing microbial strategies for treatment of human disease
6. Host-pathogen interactions
7. Mechanisms of pathogenesis of gut microbes—bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc
8. Protective effects of probiotics
9. Quorum sensing
10. Role of commensal flora in GI diseases
11. Role of TLRs/Nods in intestinal disease and homeostasis
12. Structural definition of bacterial toxins and effector molecules

Clinical

1. Antibiotics in treatment of GI diseases
2. Clinical trials of probiotics/antibiotics
3. Epidemiology of GI infections
4. Novel case reports of GI infections
5. New/novel treatments for GI infections
6. Ramifications of GI infections
7. Role of gut microbiome in GI disease (IBD, IBS, GI cancers, obesity)

Gut Microbes will publish three general types of papers, 1) Original Research, 2) Reviews, 3) Commentaries & Perspectives. Original papers will cover both basic science and clinical research related to the intestinal microflora, probiotics, and pathogens. Reviews will take several forms and will generally be invited but unsolicited reviews will be considered as well. Commentaries & Perspectives on any aspect of gut microbes and/or their impact on the host will be welcome.

Initially, we will publish quarterly, but will increase the frequency to 12 issues per year over time. Each issue will appear in print and online. Submissions and peer review will be rapid and handled online. The average time from submission to final decision (acceptance or rejection) for the current Landes Bioscience journals is one month. Once accepted, a paper is published online within three weeks.

Mission Statement

Gut Microbes will focus on microorganisms - including fungi, parasites, bacteria and viruses - populating the gastrointestinal tract, both commensals and pathogens. Latest results on mutually beneficial interactions between host cells and members of the gut microbiota or beneficial microorganisms (pro- and prebiotics), as well as detrimental relationships with pathogenic microbes will be published. The journal is also strongly interested in clinical aspects of microbial-induced gastroinestinal diseases and will accept novel case reports, new treatments and epidemiology of GI infections. This widely unexplored topic has implications for immunity, autoimmune disease, nutrition, obesity and antimicrobials such as Bacteriophages.

Gut Microbes has a strong scientific and medical focus, but also strives to serve a broader readership. The journal intends to bring together basic and clinical research on all aspects of the gut flora. Therefore we believe the journal’s content is of interest to scientists, clinical researchers, and physicians.

Gut Microbes publishes Original Research articles and Commentaries covering the latest aspects of molecular, biological, biomedical and clinical studies on gut microorganisms and their host. We will also include timely Reviews that reflect the broad scope of the journal. The goal is to foster communication and rapid exchange of information through timely publication of important results using traditional as well as electronic formats.