Proteomics - a new tool for type II methanotroph research

Microbial methane oxidation is one of the fundamental processes in global methane cycle. Our model organism, Methylocystis sp. strain SC2, is among the most oligotrophic and widespread methanotrophs in terrestrial environments. We developed an efficient proteomics workflow for strain SC2, tackling the major challenges in proteome research on type II methanotrophs.
Subsequently, the response of Methylocystis sp. strain SC2 to varying nitrogen conditions, such as nitrogen limitation and high ammonium load, was analyzed. In addition, we studied the ability of strain SC2 to utilize hydrogen as an energy source for growth and maintenance in environments with fluctuating methane content.