Heta Telimaa, Angus S Hilts, Christian Fink, Simon K-M R Rittmann, Silvan Scheller, Nika Pende
This review compiled current knowledge on transporter proteins and substrate uptake in methanogens, highlighting knowledge gaps. Experimental and bioinformatic strategies were outlined for identifying new transporters and genes in cultured and uncultured methanogens. Advancing transporter research will enhance insights into archaeal physiology and support biotechnological applications of methanogens for biofuels and chemical production.
Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) are key drivers of global carbon cycling and biomethane production, thriving in diverse anaerobic environments through specialized metabolic and transport systems. While methanogenesis is well understood, transport mechanisms underlying nutrient uptake, ion homeostasis, and macromolecule translocation remain poorly understood. This review compiles current knowledge on transporter proteins and substrate uptake in methanogens. It also highlights fundamental knowledge gaps and outlines experimental procedures for identifying new transporters experimentally and bioinformatic strategies to identify transporter-encoding genes. These approaches enable the investigation of cultured and uncultured methanogens, providing a broader view of transporter diversity and global distribution. Advancing transporter research will enhance insights into archaeal physiology and supports further developing biotechnological applications of methanogens for biofuels and chemical production, and sustainable energy systems.