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Several ways one goal-methanogenesis from unconventional substrates.
Julia M Kurth1, Huub J M Op den Camp2, Cornelia U Welte3,4
1Department of Microbiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|June 17, 2020
Summary
Methanogenic archaea utilize novel substrates beyond traditional pathways, including methylated sulfur compounds and tertiary amines. This review explores these unusual methanogenesis routes and their biochemical underpinnings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Methane is a critical greenhouse gas produced by methanogenic archaea, vital to the global carbon cycle.
- Established methanogenesis pathways include hydrogenotrophic, methylotrophic, and aceticlastic routes.
- Recent discoveries reveal novel substrates and pathways expanding our understanding of methanogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review newly discovered methanogenic substrates and pathways.
- To provide an in-depth analysis of unusual methanogenesis mechanisms.
- To examine the genome-guided metabolic reconstructions, physiology, and biochemistry of these pathways.
Main Methods:
- Genome analysis of methanogenic archaea, including deep-branching lineages like Methanonatronarchaeum.
- Metabolic reconstruction based on genomic data.
- Physiological and biochemical characterization of methanogenesis pathways.
Main Results:
- Identification of hydrogen-dependent methylotrophic methanogenesis in distinct lineages.
- Characterization of a novel membrane-bound hydrogenase complex in Methanonatronarchaeum.
- Description of methanogenesis from methylated sulfur compounds, methoxylated aromatic compounds, and tertiary amines.
Conclusions:
- Methanogenic archaea exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity beyond conventional pathways.
- Novel substrates and pathways contribute significantly to the global methane cycle.
- Further research into these unusual pathways offers insights into microbial metabolism and biogeochemical processes.