Uncovering Epigenetic Modulation of Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli: A Novel Perspective on Non-Genetic Adaptation

While genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer are well-established drivers of antibiotic resistance, the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in modulating bacterial response to antibiotics remains underexplored. This study investigates how DNA methylation and small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) contribute to non-genetic, reversible resistance phenotypes in Escherichia coli under antibiotic stress.