Physiology Without Borders

Abstract

´. This can be translated as “the science of the nature” or (in a translation first used in 1615) as the “science of the normal function of living things.” It is selfevident that a “physiological” approach cannot be overly focused. As a modern science, physiology also can no longer be defined by particular methods or techniques that are employed only in this discipline. Nevertheless, physiology is a selfstanding discipline that offers to science and scientists certain core competences or, in more modern terms, a unique sales proposal. Physiology, in my view, is clearly characterized by asking the truly functional questions. These questions can only be answered by continuously integrating knowledge from other disciplines into the larger scheme of mechanisms that allow organisms to actually live. This ongoing process of reconciling the molecular and cellular levels with the complete organism A cursory glance at Physiology’s table of contents reveals that since the new journal’s format was established in August 2004, only 30% of all articles have been written by authors affiliated with physiology departments. The majority of articles have come from colleagues in related disciplines such as cell biology, medicine, or biophysics. Does this mean then that physiology as a stand-alone discipline has become less visible in the greater field of life sciences? And does it suggest that the need to answer mechanistic questions at the molecular and/or genetic levels has led people away from traditional physiology and into other disciplines? The answer to both questions is no. On the contrary, the wide range of affiliations and topics reflects the enormously broad range of interests that are covered by physiologists. It might be helpful to examine the etymology of the word “physiology,” which is derived from the Greek word has fuelled a number of discoveries that would not have been possible within the confines of either of these otherwise isolated worlds. The development of the physiology and pathophysiology of the aquaporins, flowing from the discovery of AQP1 by Peter Agre and his colleagues, is an excellent example. The unique approach of integrating “isolated” mechanisms into the function of organs and systems particularly motivates young students and postdoctoral fellows to become physiologists and molds their approach to science. And thanks to this integrative approach, physiology not only continues to be an essential part of the medical sciences but also is gaining in impact. Examples in this postgenomic era include the role of physiology in clarifying the functions of newly discovered genes, as well as in characterizing transgenic animals. These developments bode well for the future. And given the content of many articles recently published in Physiology, perhaps there are more physiologists out there than we think!