Exploring genomic complementarity in a naturally occurring coculture: A case study of Methylocystis echinoides rim and Hyphomicrobium sulfonivorans

Microbial communities frequently exhibit metabolic interdependence, with distinct taxa engaging in complementary biochemical pathways to optimize resource use, ecological fitness, and survival. In this study, we explored the molecular basis for a seemingly obligate interaction between Methylocystis echinoides strain RIM, a facultative methanotroph, and Hyphomicrobium sulfonivorans, a methylotrophic heterotroph, using genome-based metabolic reconstruction and comparative pathway analyses. Our computational findings suggest that, under conditions where methane is the sole carbon source, M. echinoides initiates methane oxidation, supplying reduced carbon compounds such as methanol and formaldehyde, while H. sulfonivorans complement missing biosynthetic functions, including tetrahydrofolate, pantothenate, and sugar phosphate metabolism. This naturally occurring co-culture may enhance overall carbon flux, redox balance, and biosynthetic capacity within methane-fed environments. The presence of complete polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthetic pathways in both species further indicates potential biotechnological relevance for sustainable biopolymer production. Although experimental validation remains necessary, these computational findings provide a genomic framework for leveraging microbial interactions or inter-dependence in the development of optimized methane bioconversion and biomanufacturing systems.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Bioinformatics

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Putman, Taylor

Contributors dc:contributor

• Cann, Isaac

• Methanotrophs
• Methane
• Polyhydroxybutyrate
• Phb
• Metabolic Interdependence

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Taylor Putman

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129341

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129341