Metal ions are essential for the proper structures and functions of many proteins. The efficient incorporation of correct metals into respective client proteins is critical for life; however, high levels of free metals are toxic to cells. Thus, many metal-dependent proteins require helper proteins – termed metallochaperones – that sequester and deliver specific metals to the correct client proteins. This project is focused on metallochaperones involved in nickel delivery pathways in methanogenic archaea (methanogens), which are microorganisms that produce methane as a by-product of their unique energy metabolism know as methanogenesis. Methanogens are uniquely dependent on nickel as a micronutrient since they employ several different nickel-dependent enzymes. However, the putative nickel metallochaperones remain poorly defined. Thus, this project will elucidate the proteins involved in trafficking and delivering nickel to each of the different nickel-dependent enzymes in these organisms. The knowledge gained from this project could support efforts to engineer methanogenic metabolism to produce biofuels and commodity chemicals from low-cost precursors. In addition to providing training and professional development opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students, the project will engage middle- and high-school students in hands-on microbiology activities to highlight the key role of microbes in diverse natural environments and in biotechnology. Methanogens have several