Exploring, Understanding and Applying the Diversity of One-Carbon Metabolism

Metabolism of one-carbon (C1) compounds is shared by all living organisms today, yet microorganisms growing on one-carbon compounds established C1 metabolism as a major driver of global elemental cycles in the biosphere. Microbial C1 metabolism involves transformations of key molecules such as methane, methanol, formic acid, and carbon dioxide; metabolic intermediates including formaldehyde and corrinoid and tetrahydrofolate derivatives; and organic compounds without carbon-carbon bonds, such as methylated amines and dimethyl sulfide. Several of these molecules (in particular methane) are important energy sources, some (e.g. carbon dioxide and methane) are potent greenhouse gases, and others (e.g. chlorinated methanes, carbon monoxide, and methanethiol) are toxic chemicals, produced and used naturally and industrially in large quantities.

The conference will highlight the most recent research on all aspects of microbial one-carbon metabolism, spanning natural and synthetic systems, under oxic and anoxic conditions, and at scales from molecules to ecosystems. It will feature the wide-ranging metabolic diversity of autotrophic microbes, methanogens, acetogens, methylotrophs and methanotrophs. Complementary cross-disciplinary perspectives on C1 metabolism from microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, microbial ecology, and systems and synthetic biology will be provided. Innovative applications of C1 metabolism for production of biofuels and high added value chemicals, as well as for remediation of environmental contamination, will be presented.

As in previous editions of this long-running meeting, the 2016 conference, with its associated GRS, will bring together junior and senior investigators from the open and vibrant research C1 community. The time-proven GRC format, with extensive discussions, interactive poster sessions, and informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, will provide an ideal setting for researchers from different fields and generations, to exchange ideas, brainstorm, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.