Project description:The objective of this study was to assess whether Methylocystis sp. strain SC2, as a representative for Methylocystis spp., can utilize hydrogen to optimize the biomass yield by mixed utilization of CH4 and H2, rather than CH4 as the sole source of energy. Thus, we aimed to show that, in the presence of H2, CH4 will primarily be used for synthesis of cell carbon and increased biomass/protein yield. In particular, we intended to explore those CH4/O2 ratios, which maximize the effect of hydrogen addition on the biomass yield and proteome reconstruction of strain SC2. To achieve our goals, we combined hydrogen-based growth experiments with our recently optimized proteomics workflow.
Project description:Here we present the assembled genome of the facultative methanotroph, Methylocystis strain SB2, along with assessment of its transcriptome when grown on methane vs. ethanol. As expected, transcriptomic analyses indicate methane is converted to carbon dioxide via the canonical methane oxidation pathway for energy generation, and that carbon is assimilated at the level of formaldehyde via the serine cycle. When grown on ethanol, it appears this strain converts ethanol to acetyl-CoA and then utilizes the TCA cycle for energy generation and the ethylmalonyl CoA pathway for the production of biomass.
