Engineering bacterial morphology through MreB remodeling enhances one-carbon metabolism for sustainable bioproduction.

MreB(A53R) remodeling in Escherichia coli reshapes cell morphology and engages an RpoE-Cra-GadE network, redirecting carbon flux toward NADPH pathways and lowering ROS.

• Why it matters: It remains unclear whether engineered modulation of MreB-associated architecture can improve microbial metabolism, limiting rational design of robust C1 bioproduction chassis.
• What they did: The study built a chemical-genetic platform in Escherichia coli using MreB(A53R) plus A22 perturbation, then assessed morphology, electron transport, carbon flux, ROS, and C1 assimilation.
• The result: Engineered strains showed enhanced formaldehyde tolerance and efficient assimilation of methanol and other C1 substrates; acute A22 altered morphology but did not rewire metabolism, indicating a two-stage adaptive response.