On the cosmic convergence mechanism of the massless dilaton

AbstractWe discuss whether it is possible to test the universality of biology, a quest that is of paramount relevance for one of its most recent branches, namely astrobiology. We review this topic in terms of the relative roles played on the Earth biota by contingency and evolutionary convergence. Following the seminal contribution of Darwin, it is reasonable to assume that all forms of life known to us so far are not only terrestrial, but are descendants of a common ancestor that evolved on this planet at the end of a process of chemical evolution. We also raise the related question of whether the molecular events that were precursors to the origin of life on Earth are bound to occur elsewhere in the Universe, wherever the environmental conditions are similar to the terrestrial ones. We refer to ‘cosmic convergence’ as the possible occurrence elsewhere in the Universe of Earth-like environmental conditions. We argue that cosmic convergence is already suggested by observational data. The set of hypotheses for addressing the question of the universality of biology can be tested by future experiments that are feasible with current technology. We focus on landing on Europa and the broader implications of selecting the specific example of the right landing location. We have previously discussed the corresponding miniaturized equipment that is already in existence. The significance of these crucial points needs to be put into a wider scientific perspective, which is one of the main objectives of this review.

Download Full-text

Emerging an Income Disparity through Economic Integration and Its Convergence Mechanism

EU Studies in Japan ◽

10.5135/eusj1997.2008.267 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 2008 (28) ◽

pp. 267-284,331

Author(s):

Yasuhiro DOI

Keyword(s):

Economic Integration ◽

Income Disparity ◽

Convergence Mechanism

Download Full-text

Genome-Wide CRISPR Screen Reveals Autophagy Disruption as the Convergence Mechanism That Regulates the NRF2 Transcription Factor

Molecular and Cellular Biology ◽

10.1128/mcb.00037-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (13) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Michael J. Kerins ◽

Pengfei Liu ◽

Wang Tian ◽

William Mannheim ◽

Donna D. Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Transcription Factor ◽

Negative Regulator ◽

Cell Type ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Nrf2 Activation ◽

Crispr Screen ◽

Short Palindromic Repeat ◽

Intimate Link ◽

Convergence Mechanism

ABSTRACT The nuclear factor (erythroid 2)-like 2 (NRF2 or NFE2L2) transcription factor regulates the expression of many genes that are critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Its deregulation has been implicated in many diseases, including cancer and metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. While several mechanisms by which NRF2 can be activated have gradually been identified over time, a more complete regulatory network of NRF2 is still lacking. Here we show through a genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) screen that a total of 273 genes, when knocked out, will lead to sustained NRF2 activation. Pathway analysis revealed a significant overrepresentation of genes (18 of the 273 genes) involved in autophagy. Molecular validation of a subset of the enriched genes identified 8 high-confidence genes that negatively regulate NRF2 activity irrespective of cell type: ATG12, ATG7, GOSR1, IFT172, NRXN2, RAB6A, VPS37A, and the well-known negative regulator of NRF2, KEAP1. Of these, ATG12, ATG7, KEAP1, and VPS37A are known to be involved in autophagic processes. Our results present a comprehensive list of NRF2 negative regulators and reveal an intimate link between autophagy and NRF2 regulation.

Download Full-text