Microbial methanogenesis requires numerous metalloenzymes, including iron–sulfur, cobalt, and nickel cofactors. We are investigating mechanisms of metal uptake in a methanogenic archaeon (<i>Methanocorpusculum labreanum</i>) from the La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, California, USA. We have overexpressed and purified a putative metalloregulatory protein from this organism, and we are characterizing it spectroscopically.  In addition, we have collected samples of water and natural asphalts from the La Brea Tar Pits and are analyzing environmental metal concentrations by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Metal uptake and regulation in a methanogenic archaeon from the Tar Pits at Rancho La Brea, Los Angeles

251st National Meeting (2016)

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