The deep-subsurface sulfate reducer Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii employs two methanol-degrading pathways

Diana Z. Sousa, Michael Visser, Antonie H. van Gelder, Sjef Boeren, Mervin M. Pieterse, Martijn W. H. Pinkse, Peter D. E. M. Verhaert, Carsten Vogt, Steffi Franke, Steffen Kummel, Alfons J. M. Stams*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Methanol is generally metabolized through a pathway initiated by a cobalamine-containing methanol methyltransferase by anaerobic methylotrophs (such as methanogens and acetogens), or through oxidation to formaldehyde using a methanol dehydrogenase by aerobes. Methanol is an important substrate in deep-subsurface environments, where thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria of the genus Desulfotomaculum have key roles. Here, we study the methanol metabolism of Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii strain 17(T), isolated from a 3000-m deep geothermal water reservoir. We use proteomics to analyze cells grown with methanol and sulfate in the presence and absence of cobalt and vitamin B12. The results indicate the presence of two methanol-degrading pathways in D. kuznetsovii, a cobalt-dependent methanol methyltransferase and a cobalt-independent methanol dehydrogenase, which is further confirmed by stable isotope fractionation. This is the first report of a microorganism utilizing two distinct methanol conversion pathways. We hypothesize that this gives D. kuznetsovii a competitive advantage in its natural environment.

Original languageEnglish
Article number239
Number of pages9
JournalNature Communications
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • STABLE-ISOTOPE FRACTIONATION
  • METHANOSARCINA-BARKERI
  • SP-NOV
  • ANAEROBIC DEGRADATION
  • M METHYLTRANSFERASE
  • MOORELLA-THERMOACETICA
  • SPOROMUSA-OVATA
  • ENCODING GENES
  • HYDROGEN
  • BACTERIUM

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