One-carbon (C1) substrates are promising feedstocks for microbial bioproduction. Methylobacterium, known for its exceptional C1 utilization capacity, has emerged as a model microbial chassis for sustainable biomanufacturing. In this review, we first outline the C1 assimilation pathways in Methylobacterium and underscore its potential for producing valuable native metabolites. Furthermore, we then survey the genetic tools available for engineering this genus, including plasmid-based methods, transposon mutagenesis, homologous recombination, and CRISPR/Cas systems. Notably, recent advances in metabolic engineering have significantly expanded its biosynthetic scope, enabling the biosynthesis of diverse non-native compounds. Beyond its biomanufacturing potential, Methylobacterium also serves as a versatile plant growth-promoting bacterium, enhancing plant health and productivity through hormone synthesis, nutrient mobilization, stress mitigation, and induced systemic resistance. Collectively, this work highlights the dual potential of Methylobacterium as a sustainable microbial cell factory for biomanufacturing and a beneficial bioinoculant for agriculture.
Han et al. (2026) studied this question.