A biochemical framework for anaerobic oxidation of methane driven by Fe(III)-dependent respiration

Yan, Zhen; Joshi, Prachi; Gorski, Christopher A.; Ferry, James G.

doi:10.1038/s41467-018-04097-9

Title: A biochemical framework for anaerobic oxidation of methane driven by Fe(III)-dependent respiration

Journal Article · Tue Apr 24 00:00:00 EDT 2018 · Nature Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-04097-9· OSTI ID:1529924

Yan, Zhen ^[1];

^[2]; Gorski, Christopher A. ^[2]; Ferry, James G. ^[1]

Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States). Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States). Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Consumption of methane by aerobic and anaerobic microbes governs the atmospheric level of this powerful greenhouse gas. Whereas a biochemical understanding of aerobic methanotrophy is well developed, a mechanistic understanding of anaerobic methanotrophy has been prevented by the unavailability of pure cultures. Here we report a biochemical investigation of Methanosarcina acetivorans, a methane-producing species capable of anaerobic methanotrophic growth dependent on reduction of Fe(III). Our findings support a pathway anchored by Fe(III)-dependent mechanisms for energy conservation driving endergonic reactions that are key to methanotrophic growth. The pathway is remarkably similar to pathways hypothesized for uncultured anaerobic methanotrophic archaea. The results contribute to an improved understanding of the methane cycle that is paramount to understanding human interventions influencing Earth’s climate. Finally, the pathway enables advanced development and optimization of biotechnologies converting methane to value-added products through metabolic engineering of M. acetivorans.

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Research Organization:: Pennsylvania State Univ, University Park, PA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: FG02-95ER20198

OSTI ID:: 1529924

Journal Information:: Nature Communications, Vol. 9, Issue 1; ISSN 2041-1723

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Cited by: 73 works

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