Reversible methane metabolism in methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea (2025-2027)
Abstract
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times that of carbon dioxide. Microbial methane metabolism - mediated by methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea - is responsible for controlling methane emissions, as such playing a crucial role in balancing the global methane cycle. However, our current understanding of this process is still poor. This interdisciplinary project aims to enhance our knowledge of reversible methane metabolism in these archaea and will lead to improved techniques for characterizing their physiology. Ultimately, this research will reveal previously unknown metabolic capabilities and pathways, enabling us to make more accurate predictions of global methane emissions in a changing climate.
