Exploring genomic complementarity in a naturally occurring coculture: A case study of Methylocystis echinoides rim and Hyphomicrobium sulfonivorans
Putman, Taylor
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129341
Description
Title
Exploring genomic complementarity in a naturally occurring coculture: A case study of Methylocystis echinoides rim and Hyphomicrobium sulfonivorans
Author(s)
Putman, Taylor
Issue Date
2025-05-09
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Cann, Isaac
Department of Study
Animal Sciences
Discipline
Bioinformatics
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Methanotrophs
Methane
Polyhydroxybutyrate
Phb
Metabolic Interdependence
Language
eng
Abstract
Microbial communities frequently exhibit metabolic interdependence, with distinct taxa engaging in complementary biochemical pathways to optimize resource use, ecological fitness, and survival. In this study, we explored the molecular basis for a seemingly obligate interaction between Methylocystis echinoides strain RIM, a facultative methanotroph, and Hyphomicrobium sulfonivorans, a methylotrophic heterotroph, using genome-based metabolic reconstruction and comparative pathway analyses. Our computational findings suggest that, under conditions where methane is the sole carbon source, M. echinoides initiates methane oxidation, supplying reduced carbon compounds such as methanol and formaldehyde, while H. sulfonivorans complement missing biosynthetic functions, including tetrahydrofolate, pantothenate, and sugar phosphate metabolism. This naturally occurring co-culture may enhance overall carbon flux, redox balance, and biosynthetic capacity within methane-fed environments. The presence of complete polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthetic pathways in both species further indicates potential biotechnological relevance for sustainable biopolymer production. Although experimental validation remains necessary, these computational findings provide a genomic framework for leveraging microbial interactions or inter-dependence in the development of optimized methane bioconversion and biomanufacturing systems.
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