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High-pressure Methanogenesis Reveals Metabolic Adaptation to Dissolved CO2 Limitation
Taiki Katayama1, Hideyoshi Yoshioka1, Masaru K Nobu2
1Institute for Geo-Resources and Environment, Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
Microbes and Environments
|December 14, 2025
Summary
High hydrostatic pressure impacts methane production in deep-sea microbes. Methanogens up-regulate key enzymes to overcome carbon dioxide (CO2) limitations under pressure, highlighting CO2
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Geochemistry
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Subseafloor sediments harbor unique microbial communities adapted to extreme conditions.
- Biogenic gas hydrate sites are characterized by high hydrostatic pressure and specific geochemical environments.
- Hydrogenotrophic methanogens play a crucial role in methane cycling in deep subsurface environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of elevated hydrostatic pressure on methane production and gene expression in a hydrogenotrophic methanogen.
- To understand the role of carbon dioxide (CO2) availability in methanogen response to pressure.
- To explore microbial adaptation strategies in high-pressure deep biosphere settings.
Main Methods:
- High-pressure cultivation of methanogens isolated from subseafloor sediments.
- Measurement of methane production rates under varying hydrostatic pressures.
- Transcriptomic analysis to assess gene expression changes, focusing on key enzymes.
Main Results:
- Methane production rate decreased by 15% at 25 MPa hydrostatic pressure.
- Significant up-regulation of methyl-coenzyme M reductase and ATP synthase genes observed.
- Evidence suggests a compensatory mechanism for CO2 utilization under pressure.
Conclusions:
- Methanogens adapt to pressure-induced constraints on CO2 utilization by enhancing expression of critical enzymes.
- CO2 availability is a significant, yet often overlooked, factor in deep biosphere microbial processes.
- This study provides insights into microbial life and methane cycling under extreme hydrostatic pressure.
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