The family methanoregulaceae

Abstract

The family Methanoregulaceae currently consists of three genera: Methanoregula (2 species), Methanolinea (2 species), and Methanosphaerula (1 species). The family was established in 2012 to accommodate isolates phylogenetically belonging to group E1/E2, the R10 group, or the fen cluster phylotypes. The family is affiliated with the order Methanomicrobiales. The members are slow-growing, rod-shaped or coccoid, nonmotile methanogenic Archaea that use H2/CO2 and sometimes formate as substrates for methanogenesis. Acetate is required for growth, and other growth factors may be needed. The members are neutrophilic or slightly acidophilic mesophiles. Isolates of Methanoregulaceae and/or 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated with the genera of the family have been recovered from diverse habitats including acidic peat bogs, reactors for the anaerobic treatment of organic waste, oil fields, rice field soil, a mud volcano, and a submerged sinkhole ecosystem in a freshwater lake.