Structural-level insights into the functional proteins MMO and MDH from methanotrophic bacteria for their reaction mechanism

Abstract

Modern biotechnology is increasingly focused on microorganisms with unique metabolic properties that can address critical challenges in fuel and food production. Population growth and climate change have significantly impacted food and fuel availability levels. There is growing research into methanotrophic organisms to meet global demand and ensure sustainable resource use. These organisms are easy to cultivate and require very little carbon source and energy. Methanotrophs are already being used as feedstock in biofuel production and as supplements in animal nutrition. These organisms produce a chemical called one carbon (C1) that is inexpensive, sustainable, and can be used as a building block for other chemical resources. C1- chemicals are raw materials for various products and precursors that are used in our daily lives. Moreover, a soluble C1 substrate, methanol is a renewable resource increasingly used in biofuel, food, and nutraceutical industries. Various valuable metabolites have already been produced, demonstrating the potential of C1-based bio-manufacturing. With growing interest, researchers are now engineering proteins such as MMO (pMMO, sMMO) and MDH to enhance the production of desired biofuels and food-grade chemicals. MMO and MDH proteins are being developed as a biotechnological feedstock for high-value chemicals, contributing to the sustainability of fuel and food systems. This article provides a concise overview of the different aspects of methanotrophs, with a particular emphasis on the properties, engineering, and biotechnological applications of MMO and MDH enzymes, providing insights into the biological and industrial relevance of methanotrophs.