Epigenetic Memories: The Hidden Drivers of Bacterial Persistence?

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, stably alter gene expression without modifying genomic sequences. Recent evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation coupled with a long-term 'memory' effect plays a major role within bacterial persistence formation. Today, emerging high-resolution, single-molecule sequencing technologies allow an increased focus on DNA modifications as regulatory epigenetic marks, which presents a unique opportunity to identify possible epigenetic drivers of bacterial persistence.

Keywords: DNA methylation; SMRT sequencing; bacterial persistence; epigenetic inheritance; gene expression regulation; nanopore sequencing.