Biochemistry of methanol-dependent acetogenesis in Eubacterium callanderi KIST612

Methanol is the simplest of all alcohols, is universally distributed in anoxic sediments as a result of plant material decomposition and is constantly attracting attention as an interesting substrate for anaerobes like acetogens that can convert bio-renewable methanol into value-added chemicals. A major drawback in the development of environmentally friendly but economically attractive biotechnological processes is the present lack of information on biochemistry and bioenergetics during methanol conversion in these bacteria. The mesophilic acetogen Eubacterium callanderi KIST612 is naturally able to consume methanol and produce acetate as well as butyrate. To grasp the full potential of methanol-based production of chemicals, we analysed the genes and enzymes involved in methanol conversion to acetate and identified the redox carriers involved. We will display a complete model for methanol-derived acetogenesis and butyrogenesis in Eubacterium callanderi KIST612, tracing the electron transfer routes and shed light on the bioenergetics during the process.

Automated summary

Methanol, the simplest of all alcohols, is attracting attention for its potential as a substrate for anaerobes to produce value-added chemicals. However, the lack of information on the biochemistry and bioenergetics during methanol conversion in bacteria is hindering the development of environmentally friendly but economically attractive biotechnological processes. The study on Eubacterium callanderi KIST612 aims to analyze the genes and enzymes involved in methanol conversion to acetate, shedding light on the bioenergetics of the process.