Life Sciences Seminar: Farid Abdul Halim

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Life Science Seminar

Life Sciences Seminar
Unraveling the Role of Formate Dehydrogenase in Methanogenesis: Insights into Microbial Energy Metabolism
Abdul Halim
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Minnesota

Methanogens are a group of anaerobic archaea that produce methane through the process of methanogenesis. One of the key steps in this process is the oxidation of formate, carried out by formate dehydrogenase (Fdh) enzymes. We describe how Fdh can be part of methanogenesis metabolism to carry out formate oxidation to generate methane. These findings shed light on the complex mechanisms of methanogenesis and the functional roles of Fdh homologs in this process.

AbstractMethanogenic microorganisms (methanogens) are a group of anaerobic archaea that produce methane through the process of methanogenesis. One of the key steps in this process is the oxidation of formate, which is carried out by formate dehydrogenase (Fdh) enzymes. Methanogenic genomes often contain more than one homolog of Fdh, raising questions about their functional redundancy and differential expression under various conditions. Previous studies have shown that while some Fdh are essential for growth on formate, others are not. However, the Fdh gene deletion mutant is eventually able to grow on formate, suggesting that other Fdhs homolog can replace the function under certain genomic mutations. We describes how Fdh can be part of methanogenesis metabolism to carry out formate oxidation to generate methane. These findings shed light on the complex mechanisms of methanogenesis and the functional roles of Fdh homologs in this process.

Speaker BioMy name is Farid Halim and I am a microbiologist in the field of anaerobic microbiology, specifically in methanogenesis. After obtaining my undergraduate degree from RIT in 2010 (Biotechnology), I went to graduate school for my Master's degree in Biotechnology at University of Pennsylvania. Afterwards, I obtained my Ph.D. in Biology (Microbiology) from the University of Pennsylvania, and have since been working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minnesota in Costa Lab. My research focuses on understanding the metabolic pathways of methane gas production by microbes known as methanogens. I have published several research papers on the subject in various scientific journals and have shared my work at various conferences. I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of methanogenesis and its potential applications in sustainable energy production.

Intended Audience: Undergraduates, graduates, Experts Those with interest in the topic.

To request an interpreter, please visit myaccess.rit.edu


Contact
Elizabeth Dicesare
Event Snapshot
When and Where
April 05, 2023
1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Room/Location: A300
Who

Open to the Public

Interpreter Requested?

No

Topics
student experience