Cross-Taxon Regulatory Mechanisms in Microbial Molecular Adaptation and Stress Responses

Abstract:

Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, have evolved intricate molecular mechanisms to regulate gene expression, transduce signals, and adapt to environmental stresses. This review synthesizes recent advances (2022–2025) in microbial molecular biology, focusing on conserved and taxon-specific strategies in gene regulation, signal transduction cascades, molecular adaptation to niche environments, stress response pathways, and core cellular processes. We highlight cross-taxon similarities in regulatory modules, such as two-component systems in bacteria and archaea, RNA-based regulation in fungi and viruses, and stress-induced chromatin remodeling in eukaryotic microbes. Additionally, we discuss how these mechanisms contribute to microbial survival in extreme habitats, host-pathogen interactions, and biogeochemical cycling. Understanding these conserved and divergent molecular processes provides insights into microbial evolution and offers potential targets for antimicrobial development and biotechnological applications.