Bacterial Epigenetics

Impact of DNA methylation on phenotypic heterogeneity in drug-resistant bacteria.

Fig. 1. Phase-variable methyltransferase systems increase phenotypic heterogeneity and promote pathogen survival.

Funding:

NIH Montana INBRE Faculty Research Award

Abstract

Bacteria can epigenetically alter their phenotypes by adding methyl groups to DNA with methyltransferase enzymes. In many pathogens, methyltransferase systems control the random switching (phase variation) of the expression of multiple genes, and the differentiation of the bacterial population into isogenic, but phenotypically distinct subpopulations.

The overall goal of this project is to investigate the impact of phase-variable DNA methylation on phenotypic heterogeneity and pathogenesis in drug-resistant bacteria.

Impact: This project will define how epigenetic signals increase diversity and drive adaptation that modulates infection pathogenesis, and may reveal new strategies to combat multidrug-resistant infections.

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