Influence of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility on regulation of gene expression during <i>Trichomonas vaginalis-</i> host cell interaction

<i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted parasite, relies on adherence to host epithelial cells to establish infection. Our previous work highlighted the importance of N6-methyladenine (6mA) DNA methylation in the regulation of transcription and three-dimensional chromatin structure. Now, our study integrates RNA-seq, MeDIP-seq, and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing data to reveal how 6mA and chromatin accessibility modulate gene expression during <i>T. vaginalis</i> interaction with human host cells. We identified over 3,600 differentially expressed genes upon parasite contact with prostate cells, including pathogenesis-related genes. Moreover, we identified transcriptionally active and repressive regions flanked by 6mA that remain largely stable during the process of host interaction. We mapped genome-wide chromatin accessibility and uncovered differentially accessible regions upon host cell contact associated with a subset of genes involved in adhesion. These results suggest that local chromatin accessibility has a major role in modulating gene expression of key virulence genes during host interaction.