Entering the era of bacterial epigenomics with single molecule real time DNA sequencing

► SMRT DNA sequencing allows high-resolution detection of modified nucleotides. ► Methylated loci in bacterial genomes can be comprehensively and quantitatively mapped. ► SMRT DNA analyses reveal specific sequences targeted by methyltransferases. ► Methylation status can be correlated with numerous biological processes. ► Roles for DNA methylation and methyltransferases are uncharacterized in most bacteria.