Genus-specific remodeling of carbon and energy metabolism facilitates acetoclastic methanogenesis in <i>Methanosarcina</i> spp. and <i>Methanothrix</i> spp.

ABSTRACT: Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) are microorganisms that obligately produce methane as a byproduct of their energy metabolism. While most methanogens grow on CO₂+H₂, isolates of the genera Methanosarcina and Methanothrix can use acetate as the sole substrate for methanogenesis. Methanogenic growth on acetate, i.e., acetoclastic methanogenesis, is hypothesized to require two distinct genetic modules: one for the activation of acetate to acetyl-CoA and another for producing a chemiosmotic gradient using electrons derived from ferredoxin. In Methanosarcina spp., the activation of acetate to acetyl-CoA is mediated by acetate kinase (Ack) and phosphotransacetylase (Pta), whereas Methanothrix spp. encode AMP-forming acetyl-CoA synthetases (Acs)

SUBMITTER: Downing BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12918732 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature