Effects of cofD gene knock-out on the methanogenesis of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium

This study aimed to investigate the effects of cofD gene knock-out on the synthesis of coenzyme F(420) and production of methane in Methanobrevibacter ruminantium (M. ruminantium). The experiment successfully constructed a cofD gene knock-out M. ruminantium via homologous recombination technology. The results showed that the logarithmic phase of mutant M. ruminantium (12 h) was lower than the wild-type (24 h). The maximum biomass and specific growth rate of mutant M. ruminantium were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of wild-type, and the maximum biomass of mutant M. ruminantium was approximately half of the wild-type; meanwhile, the proliferation was reduced. The synthesis amount of coenzyme F(420) of M. ruminantium was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after the cofD gene knock-out. Moreover, the maximum amount of H(2) consumed and CH(4) produced by mutant were 14 and 2% of wild-type M. ruminantium respectively. In conclusion, cofD gene knock-out induced the decreased growth rate and reproductive ability of M. ruminantium. Subsequently, the synthesis of coenzyme F(420) was decreased. Ultimately, the production capacity of CH(4) in M. ruminantium was reduced. Our research provides evidence that cofD gene plays an indispensable role in the regulation of coenzyme F(420) synthesis and CH(4) production in M. ruminantium. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13568-021-01236-2.