We are glad to announce that Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI) will be conducting a special colloquium on “Epigenetic “readers” as the molecular architects regulating hepatic dysfunction” on 20 February 2026, 12 Noon at Seminar Hall, Narendrapur Campus.

Speaker : Prof. Chandrima Das, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics
Co-ordinator: Prof. Abhijit Chakrabarti

Abstract

The epigenome functions as a critical regulator of cellular physiology through dynamic, reversible modifications that govern gene expression. Our laboratory investigates chromatin readers/effectors, which recognize specific epigenetic landscapes and regulate gene expression programs. Maintaining metabolic homeostasis under stress is critical for cellular function. Saturated fatty acids (SFA), which increase during high-fat diets and metabolic disease is the causal for stress on the hepatocytes disrupting the lipid homeostasis. Understanding how hepatocytes adapt to this stress is essential for delineating the early events that lead to fatty liver disease and its progression to more severe inflammation and fibrosis. We observe that epigenetic factor Transcription Factor 19 (TCF19) acts as a central regulator that helps hepatocytes manage lipid overload and cellular stress. Remarkably, reduced TCF19 expression impacts inflammation, cell death and fibrotic features of the liver. These findings highlight an epigenetic pathway through which TCF19 modulates lipid metabolism, providing insights into its role in hepatic dysfunction.