Methane production is critically important to a number of human-related problems including global warming, waste treatment, and the development of alternative fuels from biological materials. The bulk of methane on earth is produced by methanogenic archaea through the mechanism known as methanogenesis. An essential step in methanogenesis is regeneration of a CoB-CoM heterodi- sulfide formed upon methane production. The enzyme complex responsible for CoB-CoM reduction is known as heterodisulfide reductcase (Hdr). The genome of Methanosarcina acetivorans contains ORFs coding for a soluble HdrABC complex and a membrane-bound HdrDE complex. Whether HdrABC and HdrDE have specialized, or completely redundant functions, will be tested by creating reporter gene fusions, targeted gene deletions, and chimeric Hdr complexes. In vitro analysis of chimeric enzyme complexes will be used to identify amino acid residues important for specific and selective protein:protein interactions. Through these experiments, the mechanism of methanogenesis and the archaeal electron transport system will be elucidated, thereby gaining insight into the processes of energy generation and conservation that are essential to all forms of life. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM078796-01
Application #
7155224
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F04A-D (20))
Program Officer
Fabian, Miles
Project Start
2006-11-16
Project End
2009-11-15
Budget Start
2006-11-16
Budget End
2007-11-15
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$43,996
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
041544081
City
Champaign
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
61820
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Buan, Nicole; Kulkarni, Gargi; Metcalf, William (2011) Genetic methods for methanosarcina species. Methods Enzymol 494:23-42
Buan, Nicole R; Metcalf, William W (2010) Methanogenesis by Methanosarcina acetivorans involves two structurally and functionally distinct classes of heterodisulfide reductase. Mol Microbiol 75:843-53