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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1978

Microbial oxidation of methane and methanol: isolation of methane-utilizing bacteria and characterization of a facultative methane-utilizing isolate.

A methane-utilizing organism capable of growth both on methane and on more complex organic substrates as a sole source of carbon and energy, has been isolated and studied in detail. Suspensions of methane-grown cells of this organism oxidized C-1 compounds (methane, methanol, formaldehyde, formate); hydrocarbons (ethane, propane); primary alcohols (ethanol, propanol); primary aldehydes (acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde); alkenes (ethylene, propylene); dimethylether; and organic acids (acetate, malate, succinate, isocitrate). Suspensions of methanol-or succinate-grown cells did not oxidize methane, ethane, propane, ethylene, propylene, or dimethylether, suggesting that the enzymatic systems required for oxidation of these substrates are induced only during growth on methane. Extracts of methane-grown cells contained a particulate reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent methane monooxygenase activity. Oxidation of methanol, formaldehyde, and primary alcohols was catalyzed by a phenazine methosulfate-linked, ammonium ion-requiring methanol dehydrogenase. Oxidation of primary aldehydes was catalyzed by a phenazine methosulfate-linked, ammonium ion-independent aldehyde dehydrogenase. Formate was oxidized by a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-specific formate dehydrogenase. Extracts of methane-grown, but not succinate-grown, cells contained the key enzymes of the serine pathway, hydroxypyruvate reductase and malate lyase, indicating that the enzymes of C-1 assimilation are induced only during growth on C-1 compounds. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was induced during growth on glucose. Extracts of methane-grown cells contained low levels of enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, including alpha-keto glutarate dehydrogenase, relative to the levels found during growth on succinate.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1975

Oxidation of C1 Compounds by Particulate fractions from Methylococcus capsulatus: distribution and properties of methane-dependent reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (methane hydroxylase).

Cell-free particulate fractions of extracts from the obligate methylotroph Methylococcus capsulatus catalyze the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and O2-dependent oxidation of methane (methane hydroxylase). The only oxidation product detected was formate. These preparations also catalyze the oxidation of methanol and formaldehyde to formate in the presence or absence of phenazine methosulphate with oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. Methane hydroxylase activity cannot be reproducibly obtained from disintegrated cell suspensions even though the whole cells actively respired when methane was presented as a substrate. Varying the disintegration method or extraction medium had no significant effect on the activities obtained. When active particles were obtained, hydroxylase activity was stable at 0 C for days. Methane hydroxylase assays were made by measuring the methane-dependent oxidation of NADH by O2. In separate experiments, methane consumption and the accumulation of formate were also demonstrated. Formate is not oxidized by these particulate fractions. The effects of particle concentration, temperature, pH, and phosphate concentration on enzymic activity are described. Ethane is utilized in the presence of NADH and O2. The stoichiometric relationships of the reaction(s) with methane as substrate were not established since (i) the presumed initial product, methanol, is also oxidized to formate, and (ii) the contribution that NADH oxidase activity makes to the observed consumption of reactants could not be assessed in the presence of methane. Studies with known inhibitors of electron transport systems indicate that the path of electron flow from NADH to oxygen is different for the NADH oxidase, methane hydroxylase, and methanol oxidase activities.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1979

A comparison of the substrate and electron-donor specificities of the methane mono-oxygenases from three strains of methane-oxidizing bacteria.

1. Methane mono-oxygenase from Methylosinus trichosporium has the same broad substrate specificity as the analogous enzyme from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath); the enzyme from Methylomonas methanica is more specific. 2. Contrary to previous reports, NAD(P)H and not ascorbate is the required electron donor for the enzyme from Methylosinus trichosporium. 3. It is concluded that these three bacteria contain similar methane mono-oxygenases.

Methane↗
PubMed2026

Validation of a national genetic evaluation for methane emission in Holstein cattle.

Lactanet Canada launched a genomic evaluation for methane efficiency for Holsteins in April 2023, utilizing milk mid-infrared-predicted methane (CH4) emissions (CH4MIR) as a proxy. This study validated the methane efficiency genomic evaluation using genotyped cows with CH4MIR and CH4 records from GreenFeed systems (CH4GF), along with relative breeding values (RBV) for methane production and methane efficiency from the April 2023 evaluation. In Lactanet's methane efficiency evaluation, a higher RBV indicates more desirable, lower-emitting animals. For the validation, RBV were categorized into quintiles for the CH4MIR dataset and tertiles for the CH4GF dataset to evaluate trends across the RBV distribution. Mean CH4MIR decreased progressively across RBV quintiles for both traits, with all pairwise comparisons among quintiles significantly different. Similarly, CH4GF emissions declined across RBV tertiles, with significant differences observed between the lowest and highest tertiles. Additional analyses using RBV threshold categories confirmed that cows with the highest RBV consistently exhibited lower methane emissions. Linear regression analyses further demonstrated a negative relationship between RBV and methane emissions, supporting the predictive ability of the genomic evaluation. These findings confirm that Canada's genomic evaluation for methane efficiency effectively differentiates cows by methane emission potential, reinforcing its potential as a tool for genetic selection to reduce methane emissions in dairy cattle.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2025

Diversity and distribution of the lanthanome in aerobic methane-oxidising bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Lanthanides (Ln) play important and often regulatory roles in the metabolism of methylotrophs, including methanotrophs, particularly through their involvement in methanol oxidation. However, the diversity, distribution, and ecological relevance of Ln-associated proteins (the lanthanome) in aerobic methane-oxidising bacteria (MOB) remain underexplored. This study investigates the lanthanome using genome, plasmid, and proteome data, alongside metatranscriptome data from methane-rich lake sediments. RESULTS: We surveyed 179 genomes spanning Proteobacterial, Verrucomicrobial, and Actinobacterial MOBs to examine the distribution of Ln-dependent methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs) and Ln transport proteins. Distinct lineage-specific patterns were observed: XoxF5 was the most widespread MDH variant in Proteobacteria, while XoxF2 was restricted to Verrucomicrobia. Transporter systems also showed distinct patterns, with LanM restricted to Alphaproteobacteria, LanPepSY and LanA confined to Gammaproteobacteria, and LutH-like receptors broadly distributed across all lineages. Homologues of these genes were also detected on plasmids, indicating potential for horizontal gene transfer. In Lake Washington sediment metatranscriptomes, lanthanome transcripts were detected, with Proteobacteria as dominant contributors. Notably, a large fraction of xoxF transcripts were affiliated with non-MOB Methylophilaceae, consistent with known cooperative interactions with MOB. Using Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b as a model, we assessed methane oxidation and proteomic responses to soluble CeCl3 and a mixed-lanthanide ore. Lag phases were prolonged in the presence of lanthanides, particularly with ore, but methane oxidation rates converged across treatments after acclimation. Proteomic analysis revealed extensive condition-specific responses, with 724 proteins differentially expressed in Ore treatment compared to 60 under CeCl3. XoxF3 and XoxF5 were upregulated while MxaF and its accessory proteins were downregulated, consistent with the "lanthanide switch". Notably, LanM was not expressed despite being encoded, whereas LutH-like receptor was downregulated under both treatments, likely reflecting regulatory control to prevent excess metal uptake. Additional upregulation of a TonB-dependent receptor and ABC transporter suggests a potential lanthanophore-mediated uptake strategy. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the diversity and ecological activity of Ln-binding and transport systems in MOBs, their plasmid localisation and potential mobility, and their distinct regulation under different Ln sources. The strong proteomic response to complex ore underscores the physiological flexibility of MOBs in coping with natural lanthanide forms. These findings provide a framework for ecological studies and candidate targets for biotechnological applications in methane bioconversion and sustainable lanthanide recovery from complex materials.

Horizontal gene transfer↗
PubMed2026

Electron shuttles facilitate methane-dependent arsenate reduction in paddy soils.

Methane-dependent arsenate reduction (M-AsR) occurs widely in paddy soils and can substantially enhance arsenic mobilization, posing potential ecological risks. However, the role of electron shuttles in this process remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the influence of anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) on M-AsR in paddy soils. Fourteen-day incubation showed that 1 mmol/L AQDS facilitated 50.88 % of arsenate reduction and 31.31 % of methane oxidation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that AQDS significantly increased the abundance of functional genes associated with arsenate reduction (arrA, arsC) and anaerobic methane oxidation (mcrA) (P < 0.05). Microbial community analysis revealed that AQDS addition enriched Cloacibacterium, Sphingorhabdus, and Methylocystis, while decreasing the relative abundance of Methylobacter and Methylomonas. These findings indicate that electron shuttles facilitate M-AsR by modulating functional microbial populations, providing valuable insights into arsenic biogeochemistry and the coupled cycling of methane and arsenic in paddy soils.

Methane↗
PubMed1979

Utilization of trimethylamine and other N-methyl compounds for growth and methane formation by Methanosarcina barkeri.

A number of N-methyl compounds, including several methylamines, creatine, sarcosine, choline, and betaine, were readily fermented by enrichment cultures yielding methane as a major product. Methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, and ethyldimethylamine were fermented by pure cultures of Methanosarcina barkeri; except for ethyldimethylamine, these amines are considered important substrates of this methanogenic microorganism. Creatine, sarcosine, choline, and betaine were fermented to methane only by mixed cultures. During growth of M. barkeri on methyl-, dimethyl-, or trimethylamine, methanol was not excreted into the medium. The fermentation of trimethylamine gave rise to an intermediary accumulation of methyl- and dimethylamine in the medium. An accumulation of methylamine during the fermentation of dimethylamine was not observed. Methane and ammonia were produced from the three methylamines by M. barkeri in amounts expected on the basis of the appropriate fermentation equations. The growth yield was 5.8 mg of cells (dry weight) per mmol of methane and was not dependent on the kind of methyl compound used as substrate.

Euryarchaeota↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Microbiological oxidation of methane in the stratal waters of the Lower Volgian].

Methanotrophic bacteria are rather widely distributed in bed waters of oil and gas deposits in the Nizhneye Povolzhye. Their number reaches 250 cells per 1 ml of water. However, bacterial methane oxidation is active only in waters whose redox potential exceeds +250 mV. In a number of cases, microbial methane oxidation is limited by the absence of oxygen from bed waters. If air is added to samples of such water, methane dissolved in the water is oxidized by microorganisms at a high rate (2--451 X 10(-4) cm3 of methane per litre of water per day).

Geological Phenomena↗
PubMed2026

Ruminosignatures associated with methane emissions and feed efficiency across geographies and cattle breeds.

The cattle rumen microbiota represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem whose organization and relationship to host phenotypes are important for food security and environmental sustainability. We analyzed rumen microbiota profiles from 2496 cattle representing five breeds and production systems across five countries, identifying microbial co-abundance groups termed Ruminosignatures. We detected 14 distinct Ruminosignatures, including 2 observed across all populations dominated by Prevotella and UBA2810. Additional Ruminosignatures showed breed- and diet-specific patterns and collectively explained 96%-99% of variance in rumen microbial composition. Integrative cross-country analysis confirmed 10 out of 14 Ruminosignatures identified in cohort-specific analyses. Several Ruminosignatures were associated with methane emissions and feed efficiency traits and were partially under host genetic control, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.09 to 0.58. Structural equation modeling revealed consistent negative genetic and phenotypic correlations between the UBA2810-dominated Ruminosignature (RS_UBA2) and methane emissions across cohorts (rg&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.40 to -0.65), with structural coefficients concordant in sign across all populations, supporting the expected direction of phenotypic response to selection on RS_UBA2. Meta-analysis confirmed positive associations of RS_UBA2 with average daily gain and negative associations with methane-related traits and feed conversion ratio. Functional genome-based predictions suggested RS_UBA2 may reduce methanogenesis through alternative hydrogen utilization pathways competing with methanogenic archaea. Production system type influenced both Ruminosignature occurrence and relationships with host phenotypes, emphasizing the relevance of context-specific strategies for microbiome modulation. Our findings highlight the potential of the Ruminosignatures framework for microbiome-informed breeding programs aimed at improving feed efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of cattle production.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Oxidation of carbon monoxide and methane by Pseudomonas methanica.

The oxidation of carbon monoxide and methane by suspensions and ultrasonic extracts of Pseudomonas methanica was studied. A continuous assay for the oxidation of CO to CO2 was devised, using O2 and CO2 electrodes in combination. Stoicheiometries of CO-dependent CO2 formation, O2 consumption and NADH oxidation, and the partial stoicheiometries of methane-dependent NADH oxidation, suggest the involvement of a mono-oxygenase in these oxidations. Evidence is presented suggesting methane and CO oxidation are catalysed by a single enzyme system, distinct, at least in part, from the NADH oxidase present in extracts. Ethanol was able to provide the reductant necessary for CO oxidation by cell suspensions, though the metabolism of ethanol by P. methanica was found unlikely to result in substrate-level formation of NADH; the means whereby alcohol oxidation could supply reductant for the mono-oxygenase are discussed.

Ammonium Chloride↗
PubMed1976

Factors affecting rate of methane formation from acetic acid by enriched methanogenic cultures.

A stable enrichment culture converting acetic acid to methane was successfully obtained from a pear waste digester, using a synthetic substrate solution with acetic acid as the main carbon source. This enrichment culture converted up to 10 mmol of acetic acid per litre per day at 35 degrees C and did not use hydrogen or formic acid in appreciable amounts as substrate for methane production instead of, or in addition to, acetic acid. The rate of conversion of acetic acid to methane was maximum at temperature of 40-45 degrees C, at a pH of 6.5 to 7.1, and was adversely affected by exposure to air, reducing agents, and high salt concentrations. The rate of conversion was independent of acetic acid concentration between 0.2 and 100 mM, but dropped markedly at concentrations below 0.2 mM.

Acetates↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Radioisotope method of determining the intensity of bacterial methane formation].

The rate of methane formation by bacteria was determined by the isotope tracer technique using labeled carbon in the form of bicarbonate. The rate of methane production in the ooze deposits of the Kuznechikha lake was calculated by this technique to constitute 7.46 to 7.70 cm3 CH4 per 1 litre per day. The rate of the process was shown to depend on the number of methane-producing bacteria.

Bacteria↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Gas chromatographic method of determining the intensity of microbiological oxidation of methane in reservoirs].

A method of gas chromatography is described for determining the rate of microbial methane oxidation. In the Rybinskoye Reservoir, the rate of methane oxidation in the microaerobic zone of water layers near the bottom over the silted former channel of the Mologa River was found to be 51.1 to 86.2 mcl of CH4 per litre per day at 2--3 degrees C, constituting 8--16% of the original methane content.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Localization of energy generators in methane oxidizing bacteria].

Cytochromes a, b and c, and their quantitative distribution in the cells, were studied by means of differential spectra in obligate methane oxidizing bacteria, Methylosinus trichosporium with the serine pathway of methane carbon assimilation and Methylomonas agile with the ribulose phosphate pathway of methane carbon assimilation, and different types of topography of intracytoplasmic membranes. The membranes are involved in processes of coupled respiration which was confirmed by cytochemical reactions employed for studying the terminal step of the electron transport chain and Mg2+-stimulated ATPase.

Cytochromes↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High frequency discharge experiment. I: Formation of organic compounds from methane and ammonia.

Investigations of the synthesis of organic compounds from methane and ammonia were carried out by using high frequency discharges. The radical of CN was observed in the early phase of the discharge. Therefore it is considered that the CN radical contributes to the successive reaction steps. An important intermediate, a tetramer of hydrogen cyanide was observed to be formed at room temperature. The amounts of this compound progressively increased with time. It was speculated that the purines which were identified in the refluxed sample were synthesized through the above tetramer. Compounds which are thought to be heterocyclic (max:250-265nm) were initially formed in the sample trapped at liquid nitrogen temperature. After hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid, Gly, Asp Ala, etc. were observed in the sample. Overall yield of organic compounds was estimates at 5-6% based on input carbon of methane.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1977

Purification and properties of the methane mono-oxygenase enzyme system from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b.

1. A three-component enzyme system that catalyses the oxidation of methane to methanol has been highly purified from Methylosinus trichosporium. 2. The components are (i) a soluble CO-binding cytochrome c, (ii) a copper-containing protein and (iii) a small protein; the mol. wts. are 13 000, 47 000 and 9400 respectively. The cytochrome component cannot be replaced by similar cytochrome purified from Pseudomonas extorquens or by horse heart cytochrome c. 3. The stoicheiometry suggests a mono-oxygenase mechanism and the specific activity with methane as substrate is 6 micronmol/min per mg of protein. 4. Other substrates rapidly oxidized are ethane, n-propane, n-butane and CO. Dimethyl ether is not a substrate. 5. The purified enzyme system utilizes ascorbate or, in the presence of partially purified M. trichosporium methanol dehydrogenase, methanol as electron donor but not NADH or NADPH. 6. Activity is highly sensitive to low concentrations of a variety of chelating agents, cyanide, 2-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol. 7. Activity is highly pH-dependent (optimum 6.9-7.0) and no component of the enzyme is stable to freezing. 8. The soluble CO-binding cytochrome c shows oxidase acitivity and the relationship between this and the oxygenase activity is discussed.

Ascorbate Oxidase↗
PubMed2026

Cattle manure suppresses methane consumption and enhances denitrification-associated nitrous oxide production in farm dams.

BACKGROUND: Farm dams (or agricultural ponds) are often heavily polluted freshwater systems because of nutrient-rich manure entering the water through direct deposition and runoff. Accordingly, these systems have among the highest greenhouse gas emissions per area, accounting for 41% of global freshwater methane emissions. Sustainable management actions, such as limiting livestock access through fencing, can significantly reduce nutrient concentrations and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the microbes, processes, and factors controlling greenhouse gas cycling in these systems have not been described. Here, we systematically compared the composition, functions, and activities of the microbes in paired fenced and unfenced cattle farm dams in southeastern Australia. RESULTS: We found that in situ methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were strongly reduced in fenced dams. Even though methanogen abundance was higher in fenced dams, fencing increased levels of aerobic methanotrophs, including two previously uncharacterised, metabolically flexible species profiled via metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). In contrast, we provide gene- and genome-centric evidence that N2O emissions are likely higher in unfenced dams due to increased production (via denitrification) rather than decreased consumption. Manure likely increases CH4 and N2O emissions primarily by driving nutrient-induced eutrophication and hypoxia that, respectively, stimulate denitrifiers and inhibit methanotrophs. However, we also provide evidence that manure-associated methanogens and bacteria occur in farm dams, where they potentially enhance emissions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight how anthropogenic activities such as livestock farming can impact microbial communities and biogeochemical cycling, thereby increasing greenhouse gas emissions from freshwater systems, and how simple management actions like fencing can mitigate such emissions. Video Abstract.

Animals↗