Uncovering new microbial players and processes in the global methane cycle

该项目旨在利用多种分析策略(包括元基因组学和元转录组学)，大大扩大我们对甲烷形成和消耗所涉及的关键微生物、代谢策略和物种间关系的理解。全球甲烷循环由产生和消耗这种重要温室气体的微生物控制，然而现在人们认识到，环境中有许多尚未发现的甲烷代谢微生物。该项目将使人们更好地了解这些新型微生物对全球碳循环的贡献及其与气候变化的联系。这将直接有利于为理解未来气候变化情景而进行的建模工作。

This project aims to utilise multiple analytical strategies (including metagenomics and metatranscriptomics) to substantially expand our understanding of the key microorganisms, metabolic strategies, and interspecies relationships involved in the formation and consumption of methane. The global methane cycle is controlled by microorganisms that produce and consume this important greenhouse gas, however it is now recognised that there are many as-yet undiscovered methane-metabolising microorganisms in the environment. The project will lead to a greater understanding of the contribution of these novel microorganisms to global carbon cycling and their links to climate change. This will directly benefit modelling efforts to understand future climate change scenarios.