Heterochromatin Protein 1β (HP1β) has distinct functions and distinct nuclear distribution in pluripotent versus differentiated cells

Background: Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the unique ability to differentiate into every cell type and to self-renew. These characteristics correlate with a distinct nuclear architecture, epigenetic signatures enriched for active chromatin marks and hyperdynamic binding of structural chromatin proteins. Recently, several chromatin-related proteins have been shown to regulate ESC pluripotency and/or differentiation, yet the role of the major heterochromatin proteins in pluripotency is unknown. Results: Here we identify Heterochromatin Protein 1β (HP1β) as an essential protein for proper differentiation, and, unexpectedly, for the maintenance of pluripotency in ESCs. In pluripotent and differentiated cells HP1β is differentially localized and differentially associated with chromatin. Deletion of HP1β, but not HP1aα, in ESCs provokes a loss of the morphological and proliferative characteristics of embryonic pluripotent cells, reduces expression of pluripotency factors and causes aberrant differentiation. However, in differentiated cells, loss of HP1β has the opposite effect, perturbing maintenance of the differentiation state and facilitating reprogramming to an induced pluripotent state. Microscopy, biochemical fractionation and chromatin immunoprecipitation reveal a diffuse nucleoplasmic distribution, weak association with chromatin and high expression levels for HP1β in ESCs. The minor fraction of HP1β that is chromatin-bound in ESCs is enriched within exons, unlike the situation in differentiated cells, where it binds heterochromatic satellite repeats and chromocenters. Conclusions: We demonstrate an unexpected duality in the role of HP1β: it is essential in ESCs for maintaining pluripotency, while it is required for proper differentiation in differentiated cells. Thus, HP1β function both depends on, and regulates, the pluripotent state

The checklist of Impatiens Riv. ex L. (Balsaminaceae) in Nilgiri and Palani Hills of southern Western Ghats (India)

A comprehensive checklist of the genus Impatiens Riv. ex L. (Balsaminaceae) in Nilgiri and Palani of southern Western Ghats, India is presented. After thorough field explorations in these areas from 2012 to 2020 in different seasons, 38 species of Impatiens are recorded, in which 6 species are endemic to Western Ghats and 26 species are endemic to southern Western Ghats of India. Horticultural potential of 18 endemic species of balsam is also discussed.W artykule zamieszczono obszerną listę gatunków z rodzaju Impatiens Riv. ex L. (Balsaminaceae), odnotowanych w Nilgiris i na Wzgórzach Palanis (południowa część Ghatów Zachodnich w Indiach). Po dokładnych badaniach terenowych, przeprowadzonych w różnych porach roku w latach 2012-2020, zarejestrowano na analizowanym obszarze 38 gatunków niecierpka, w tym 6 gatunków endemicznych dla całych Ghatów Zachodnich i 26 gatunków dla południowej części Ghatów Zachodnich. Krótko omówiono również potencjał ogrodniczy 18 endemicznych gatunków niecierpków

Embryonic stem cell differentiation is regulated by SET through interactions with p53 and β-Catenin

The multifunctional histone chaperone, SET, is essential for embryonic development in the mouse. Previously, we identified SET as a factor that is rapidly downregulated during embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation, suggesting a possible role in the maintenance of pluripotency. Here, we explore SET's function in early differentiation. Using immunoprecipitation coupled with protein quantitation by LC-MS/MS, we uncover factors and complexes, including P53 and β-catenin, by which SET regulates lineage specification. Knockdown for P53 in SET-knockout (KO) ESCs partially rescues lineage marker misregulation during differentiation. Paradoxically, SET-KO ESCs show increased expression of several Wnt target genes despite reduced levels of active β-catenin. Further analysis of RNA sequencing datasets hints at a co-regulatory relationship between SET and TCF proteins, terminal effectors of Wnt signaling. Overall, we discover a role for both P53 and β-catenin in SET-regulated early differentiation and raise a hypothesis for SET function at the β-catenin-TCF regulatory axis.Published versio

Identification of Eco-friendly Practices in the Industries of EGREE Region for Sustainable Development, Andhra Pradesh, India

This study has been conceived with the basic objective to investigate the role played by industries in the East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) region to reduce the level of industrial pollution and other eco-friendly initiatives taken for eco-friendly and sustainable development. Effluent treatment systems prevalent in the majority of the studied industries are in working conditions. 57% of industries' effluent treatment plants are working conditions, 29% of the industries are using landing filling methods for disposal of agro-based waste. There is a strong common understanding among the EGREE region industries to lower the CO2 footprint by substituting coal consumption with bio-fuel. In some companies like ITC, biofuel consumption is 80%, and the remaining 20% is Coal. Government and policymakers have to make provision for industrial waste disposal, especially for small and medium enterprises (SME). Waste transporting cost is high for SME. Effluent treatment plant (ETP) and sewage treatment plant (STP) conditions to be verified by the pollution control board periodicall