Moving toward the Inclusion of Epigenomics in Bacterial Genome Evolution: Perspectives and Challenges.
Int J Mol Sci
; 25(8)2024 Apr 17.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38674013
ABSTRACT
The universality of DNA methylation as an epigenetic regulatory mechanism belongs to all biological kingdoms. However, while eukaryotic systems have been the primary focus of DNA methylation studies, the molecular mechanisms in prokaryotes are less known. Nevertheless, DNA methylation in prokaryotes plays a pivotal role in many cellular processes such as defense systems against exogenous DNA, cell cycle dynamics, and gene expression, including virulence. Thanks to single-molecule DNA sequencing technologies, genome-wide identification of methylated DNA is becoming feasible on a large scale, providing the possibility to investigate more deeply the presence, variability, and roles of DNA methylation. Here, we present an overview of the multifaceted roles of DNA methylation in prokaryotes and suggest research directions and tools which can enable us to better understand the contribution of DNA methylation to prokaryotic genome evolution and adaptation. In particular, we emphasize the need to understand the presence and role of transgenerational inheritance, as well as the impact of epigenomic signatures on adaptation and genome evolution. Research directions and the importance of novel computational tools are underlined.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Bacterias
/
Genoma Bacteriano
/
Evolución Molecular
/
Epigenómica
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Mol Sci
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia
Pais de publicación:
Suiza