Hydrogen is a preferred intermediate in the energy-conserving electron transport chain of Methanosarcina barkeri

Gargi Kulkarni, Donna M. Kridelbaugh, Adam M. Guss, William W. Metcalf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

70 Scopus citations

Abstract

Methanogens use an unusual energy-conserving electron transport chain that involves reduction of a limited number of electron acceptors to methane gas. Previous biochemical studies suggested that the proton-pumping F 420H2 dehydrogenase (Fpo) plays a crucial role in this process during growth on methanol. However, Methanosarcina barkeri Δfpo mutants constructed in this study display no measurable phenotype on this substrate, indicating that Fpo plays a minor role, if any. In contrast, Δfrh mutants lacking the cytoplasmic F420-reducing hydrogenase (Frh) are severely affected in their ability to grow and make methane from methanol, and double Δfpo/Δfrh mutants are completely unable to use this substrate. These data suggest that the preferred electron transport chain involves production of hydrogen gas in the cytoplasm, which then diffuses out of the cell, where it is reoxidized with transfer of electrons into the energy-conserving electron transport chain. This hydrogen-cycling metabolism leads directly to production of a proton motive force that can be used by the cell for ATP synthesis. Nevertheless, M. barkeri does have the flexibility to use the Fpo-dependent electron transport chain when needed, as shown by the poor growth of the Δfrh mutant. Our data suggest that the rapid enzymatic turnover of hydrogenases may allow a competitive advantage via faster growth rates in this freshwater organism. The mutant analysis also confirms the proposed role of Frh in growth on hydrogen/carbon dioxide and suggests that either Frh or Fpo is needed for aceticlastic growth of M. barkeri.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15915-15920
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume106
Issue number37
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • F
  • H cycling
  • Hydrogen electron transport
  • Methanogenesis

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