A missing link of the subseafloor carbon and energy dynamics: Microbial metabolism responsible for crystalline iron(III) oxide reduction

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H04244
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 63010:Environmental dynamic analysis-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Hori Tomoyuki 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, エネルギー・環境領域, 主任研究員 (20509533)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 環境分析 / 地球化学 / 深海環境 / 環境 / 微生物

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, the ecophysiological traits of the anaerobic methane and acetate oxidizers potentially involved in crystalline iron(III) oxide reduction were assessed using a combination of isolation/cultivation, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, comparative genomics and high-sensitivity stable isotope probing. The main targets were the hitherto constructed iron-reducing enrichment cultures and newly obtained marine sediments. Consequently, a better understanding of the subseafloor carbon and energy dynamics was acquired.

Free Research Field

環境微生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究標的のC1およびC2化合物である「メタンおよび酢酸」と地球第４位の構成元素である「鉄」は地球根源物質であるため、その代謝に関わる未知微生物群の実態解明は地下生命圏の代謝活動全体を紐解くことに直結する。比較ゲノム解析や高感度安定同位体追跡法を駆使することで、海底堆積物中で結晶性酸化鉄を利用し生存するための微生物代謝戦略の一端を明らかにした。