Description:

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:

Gary H. Karpen, PhD
Professor, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
Senior Faculty Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
University of California Berkeley

Presentation:

"New insights into formation, organization and function of heterochromatin condensates"

Abstract: 

The possibility that dynamic biophysical mechanisms, in particular liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), regulate formation and function of chromatin domains is exciting, because it can explain previously enigmatic observations about nuclear structure and function.  We previously demonstrated that formation of one important chromatin domain, called heterochromatin, behaves as a condensate in vivo in fruit flies and mammals, and thus is likely initially formed via LLPS.  I will describe recent progress on elucidating the critical components and interactions responsible for heterochromatin condensate formation in vivo. I will then focus on whether condensates and associated properties such as liquidity, are directly required for heterochromatin organization, functions and dynamics. Finally, I will discuss recent progress in understanding the interplay between heterochromatin and nucleoli, two condensates with distinct but linked cellular functions, with respect to their de novo formation and functions in early Drosophila embryos.

Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics