Disclosed herein are polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding coenzyme M synthase (ComF) linked to a heterologous regulatory element and methods of using the same. The polynucleotides may comprise synthetic operons comprising additional sequences encoding enzymes, e.g., a taurine-pyruvate aminotransferase, a sulfoacetaldehyde acetyl transferase, or a sulfopyruvate decarboxylase. Also disclosed herein are recombinant prokaryotic cells, e.g., recombinant bacterial, e.g., E. coli, or archaeal cells, e.g., Methanosarcina acetivorans with improved tolerance to oxidative stress.