Environmental Microbiology

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Acetogenic Bacteria

Acetogenic bacteria (acetogens) use the ancient and most energy-efficient pathway for carbon dioxide fixation, the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, to sustain life. They play an important role in natural ecosystems, origin of life research, bioremediation and  industrial applications.

We use computational microbiology, laboratory cultivation and molecular techniques to study model acetogens, their metabolism and bioremediation potential. Moreover, we investigate extrachromosomal DNA, including prophages and plasmids, to assess their role and impact on central metabolic processes.

Projects:

Extrachromosomal DNA Elements (ecDNA) in acetogenic bacteria

Computational prediction models are used to identify potential ecDNA elements from acetogenic reference genomes (left), and are then tested in the laboratory through sequencing methods and metabolite measurements (right).
Computational prediction models are used to identify potential ecDNA elements from acetogenic reference genomes (left), and are then tested in the laboratory through sequencing methods and metabolite measurements (right).

We investigate the function that ecDNA have in acetogenic bacteria. We focus on prophages and plasmids and study their interaction with the host metabolism and the implications for their ecology. We combine computational methods with wet-lab experiments and analytical methods.

Project leader: Donat Crippa

Alternative respiration pathways in Moorella
thermoacetica

M. thermoacetica is a well-known acetogen that grows on CO₂ and H2 to form acetate via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (also known as the acetyl-CoA pathway). Energy conservation relies on additional membrane-bound processes that pump protons to build a proton-motive force, which powers ATP synthesis. M. thermoacetica may have a much more diverse metabolic repertoire than previously recognized.
M. thermoacetica is a well-known acetogen that grows on CO₂ and H2 to form acetate via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (also known as the acetyl-CoA pathway). Energy conservation relies on additional membrane-bound processes that pump protons to build a proton-motive force, which powers ATP synthesis. M. thermoacetica may have a much more diverse metabolic repertoire than previously recognized.

Central metabolic pathways guide
metabolic and protein engineering to enhance microbial performance in
industrial applications. Here, we investigate the potential of Moorella
thermoactica to utilize alternative respiration pathways. Our research
aims to elucidate the enzymes involved. To achieve this, we will combine
wet-lab and computational approaches, such as omics, protein purification,
and kinetic assays, as well as structure-resolving tools.
 
Project leader: Simon Krumrey

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