In vitro methanol production from methyl coenzyme M using the Methanosarcina barkeri MtaABC protein complex

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Methanol:coenzyme M methyltransferase (MtaABC) is crucial for methanogenic archaea, catalyzing methanol to methane conversion.
• The forward reaction is energetically favorable, essential for methane production from methanol.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reversal of the MtaABC-catalyzed reaction in vitro.
• To explore the potential for producing methanol from methyl coenzyme M.

Main Methods:

• Expression and purification of the Methanosarcina barkeri MtaABC enzyme complex.
• Development of an in vitro functional assay to measure the reverse reaction.

Main Results:

• The MtaABC enzyme complex successfully catalyzed the energetically unfavorable reverse reaction (ΔG° = 27 kJ/mol).
• Methanol was produced as a product from methyl coenzyme M in vitro.

Conclusions:

• The MtaABC enzyme can be harnessed to produce methanol in vitro.
• This finding supports the potential for anaerobic oxidation of methane to produce methanol for alternative fuels.