%0 Journal Article
%T The evolving role of methanogenic archaea in mammalian microbiomes.
%A Volmer JG
%A McRae H
%A Morrison M
%J Front Microbiol
%V 14
%N 0
%D 2023
%M 37727289
%F 6.064
%R 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1268451
%X Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) represent a diverse group of microorganisms that inhabit various environmental and host-associated microbiomes. These organisms play an essential role in global carbon cycling given their ability to produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a by-product of their energy production. Recent advances in culture-independent and -dependent studies have highlighted an increased prevalence of methanogens in the host-associated microbiome of diverse animal species. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that methanogens, and/or the methane they produce, may play a substantial role in human health and disease. This review addresses the expanding host-range and the emerging view of host-specific adaptations in methanogen biology and ecology, and the implications for host health and disease.