A population model reveals a surprising role of stochastic cell division in epigenetic memory systems.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic memory systems store transient environmental signals in bacteria in specific DNA methylation patterns. Synthetic zinc finger protein (ZnF4) binds to the DNA in a methylation-dependent manner and represses the expression of the DNA methyltransferase CcrM. The mechanisms ensuring long-term ON-state stability remain unclear. Measurements showed a gradual shift of cell populations from ON to OFF starting after four days of cultivation. We use a hybrid modeling approach integrating flow cytometry data and bulk DNA methylation measurements to test the hypothesis that stochastic cell division is a key factor in this transition. Interestingly, model parameters cluster into two groups with opposite effects of cell division rates on ON-state stability. Experiments show that faster cell di

SUBMITTER: Klingel V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12496179 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature