Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 29, 2025

Iron is indispensable for literally all microorganisms, yet becomes toxic at elevated levels. Protein-based iron storage compartments, such as ferritins, play a key role in maintaining homeostasis when the level surpasses microbial requirements. However, energy-intensive nature of raises questions about how microbes balance this bioprocess between growth and metabolism. Here, using nitrate-dependent methanotrophic bacteria with simplified metabolic system model, we propose novel reprogramming pathway regulated by that controls activity. Isotopic labeling meta-omics analyses revealed striking contrast bacterial abundance methane-dependent denitrification activity "Ca. M. sinica". Using microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy, identified iron-rich nanoparticles within cells exposed to 40 μM Fe2+, alongside increased expression genes involved metabolism methane oxidation coupled denitrification. Additionally, observed shift from energy-demanding Calvin cycle more energy-efficient serine carbon fixation, promoting synthesis glycine succinyl-CoA, which serve precursors proteins. These adjustments highlight strategy coordinating both substance bacteria, thereby enhancing their capacity simultaneous nitrogen removal. Our findings reveal may act "switch" offering new insights into targeted manipulation maximize beneficial functions engineered natural environments.

Language: Английский