Hydrogenase-independent uptake and metabolism of electrons by the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis.
Direct, shuttle-free uptake of extracellular, cathode-derived electrons has been postulated as a novel mechanism of electron metabolism in some prokaryotes that may also be involved in syntrophic electron transport between two microorganisms. Experimental proof for direct uptake of cathodic electrons has been mostly indirect and has been based on the absence of detectable concentrations of molecular hydrogen. However, hydrogen can be formed as a transient intermediate abiotically at low cathodic potentials (<-414 mV) under conditions of electromethanogenesis. Here we provide genetic evidence for hydrogen-independent uptake of extracellular electrons. Methane formation from cathodic electrons was observed in a wild-type strain of the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis as well as in a hydrogenase-deletion mutant lacking all catabolic hydrogenases, indicating the presence of a hydrogenase-independent mechanism of electron catabolism. In addition, we discovered a new route for hydrogen or formate production from cathodic electrons: Upon chemical inhibition of methanogenesis with 2-bromo-ethane sulfonate, hydrogen or formate accumulated in the bioelectrochemical cells instead of methane. These results have implications for our understanding on the diversity of microbial electron uptake and metabolism.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Svenja T
ST
Lohner
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Jörg S
JS
Deutzmann
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Bruce E
BE
Logan
Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
John
J
Leigh
1] Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA [2] Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Alfred M
AM
Spormann
D004579:Electron Transport; D004583:Electrons; D005561:Formates; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006864:Hydrogenase / Q000235:genetics; D008697:Methane / Q000378:metabolism; D017017:Methanococcus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009154:Mutation
D005561:Formates; C030544:formic acid; D006859:Hydrogen; D006864:Hydrogenase; D008697:Methane