The Essential Biology of Microbial Cooperation in H2 and CH4 Production

微生物伙伴之间的共生涉及代谢物的交换，使得任何一个有机体都无法单独完成的过程成为可能。这些互利的关系现在被认为对全球碳循环做出了重要贡献。然而，虽然在自然界中几乎所有的厌氧环境中都发现了共生代谢，但人们对这一重要生态过程的分子、生化或生理基础知之甚少。wolfei-Methanospirillum hungatei的共生单胞菌是热力学限制的共生关系的历史模型，因为这两种生物都是共生专家，在热力学平衡附近运作，并通过生态位相关的相互作用进化而来。该项目将在一个定义良好的模型系统中描述代谢和调节系统。同养联合体也是探索多物种微生物群落相互作用机制的优秀模型系统，因为我们了解了所使用的代谢物和每个同养伙伴的作用。因此，该项目将为重点生态环境中其他多物种微生物群落的代谢和基因表达研究提供一个范例。这项研究将开启下一阶段的研究，以破译这一鲜为人知的生物过程的基本原理。更广泛的影响该项目将加深对有趣的共生现象的理解，对全球碳循环的生物贡献，以及更广泛地了解微生物群落中起作用的潜在分子机制。它将支持研究生和本科生在实验室研究方面的培训，包括厌氧微生物学、微生物生理学、酶分析和分析化学。各学院将继续积极参与编制各自院校的本科教材。这些包括为更广泛的受众提供访问的基于网络的材料。现有项目的目标是扩大到包括少数族裔学生和弱势背景学生的学校。除了教育，一个目标是促进对微生物学的兴趣和热情。两位pi还将协助评判当地和/或国家科学展览。

Intellectual MeritSyntrophy among microbial partners involves the exchange of metabolites, making processes possible that cannot be accomplished by either organism alone. These mutually beneficial relationships are now known to make essential contributions to the global carbon cycle. However, while syntrophic metabolism is found in nearly all anaerobic environments in nature, little is understood about the molecular, biochemical, or physiological basis of this important ecological process. The Syntrophomonas wolfei-Methanospirillum hungatei co-culture is the historical model for thermodynamically-limited syntrophic associations because both organisms are syntroph specialists that operate near the thermodynamic equilibrium, and that evolved by niche-associated interactions. This project will delineate the metabolic and regulatory systems involved in syntrophic metabolism in a well-defined model system. Syntrophic consortia are also excellent model systems to probe the mechanisms by which multispecies microbial communities interact because much about the metabolites used and the roles of each syntrophic partner is understood. Therefore, this project will serve as a paradigm for study of metabolism and gene expression in other multispecies microbial communities in key ecological habitats. The research will open up the next levels of study to decipher basic principles of this poorly understood biological process.Broader ImpactsThis project will deepen understanding of the interesting phenomenon of syntrophy, of biological contributions to the global carbon cycle, and more broadly of the underlying molecular mechanisms at play in microbial communities. It will support training of graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory research involving anaerobic microbiology, microbial physiology, enzyme analysis, and analytical chemistry. The PIs will continue to be actively involved in developing undergraduate educational materials at their respective institutions. These include web-based materials that provide access for a wider audience. Existing programs are targeted for expansion to include institutions having significant underrepresented minority enrollments and students with disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition to educating, a goal is to promote interest in and enthusiasm for microbiology. Both PIs will also assist in judging local and/or national science fairs.