New publication in "Nature Communications"
Maier et al. developed an epigenetic memory system that stores transient environmental signals in the form of DNA methylation patterns in the genome of bacteria. The signals were processed by an artificial epigenetic regulatory system based on a self-regulating DNA methyltransferase gene and a methylation-specific zinc finger protein. The system has been used to detect signals such as heat, nutrients, UV radiation or carcinogens. These systems could have diverse applications in the monitoring of the environment and medicine in bacterial sensors.