Integrating metabolomics and whole genome sequencing to elucidate the metabolic pathways in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b

Abstract

Methanotrophs, relying on methane as their primary carbon source, are renowned for their exceptional capacity to generate a diverse range of methane-based bioproducts, making the unraveling of associated metabolic pathways a vital endeavor. This study focuses on Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b to investigate genes associated with biomanufacturing of commercially relevant metabolites through an integrated approach combining genome sequencing and metabolomic analysis. The complete genome of OB3b was sequenced using Nanopore technology, revealing a total of 4877 genes within the chromosome. Genetic organization of the pili operon in OB3b revealed the presence of a Type IVb pili system, shedding light on adhesion genes, maturation genes, quorum sensing genes, and regulatory genes. Analysis of the biosynthetic gene cluster in OB3b revealed 11 distinct regions, including a notable non-ribosomal protein synthetase associated with rhizomide production. In addition, the study focused on 14 commercially significant metabolites among 63 analyzed by metabolomics and identified bifunctional aldehyde dehydrogenase and phospholipase in the ethanolamine pathway, while identifying fatty acid desaturase in the R-decenoic acid pathway. Additionally, the study predicted a methane-derived pathway for trehalose synthesis. This research unlocks the untapped potential of methanotrophs in biotechnology and provides valuable insight into pathways for the production of desired metabolite.

Keywords

Biosynthetic gene cluster / Ethanolamine / Metabolomic pathway / Next generation sequencing / Methane / Trehalose

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Funding

National Science Foundation(1920954); Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Research Fellow Grant(00P31)