Systemic physiological networks

Systemic physiological networks represent the integrated and coordinated interactions between various organ systems—such as the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems—that maintain organismal homeostasis (Ivanov, P. C., et al., 2016, Frontiers in Physiology). This concept, central to the field of Network Physiology, describes how different physiological components communicate through complex feedback loops and signaling cascades to respond to internal and external stimuli (Bashan, A., et al., 2012, Nature Communications). Unlike a discrete therapeutic target such as a specific receptor, enzyme, or ion channel, these networks represent a higher level of biological organization involving a vast array of molecular pathways. In the context of drug discovery and pharmacology, while specific interventions may influence these networks, the networks themselves are too broad and multifaceted to be classified as a single druggable target. Instead, they provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the systemic impact of pharmacological agents and the pathophysiology of complex, multi-organ diseases like metabolic syndrome or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (Bartsch, R. P., et al., 2015, PLoS ONE). Because this term describes a collection of systems rather than a specific protein or molecule, it is considered an incorrect entry for a molecular target database.

Other names

Network physiologyInter-organ communicationOrgan-system networksPhysiological interactomeIntegrated organ interactome

Not applicable as this is a system-level concept rather than a single molecular target.