The principle of regulation in biology--from bone to eating behavior.
Cell physiology and molecular biology typically follow a reductionistic approach in science. In the last decade, molecular principles and pathogenetic factors involved in the development of many diseases have been successfully discovered. Therefore, early biological concepts based on systemic and cybernetic thoughts have been largely overshadowed by these more recent molecular and pathogenetic factors. This review highlights discoveries on bone development and hypothalamic controlled feeding and eating behavior with a cybernetic and systemic perspective. Interestingly, ancient ideas on bone development and hypothalamic function are still reasonable considerations to embed new molecular discoveries into a systemic concept of principles organizing nature.
Fricke
O
O
Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA. frickeo@rockefeller.edu
Lehmkuhl
G
G
Schoenau
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology*; D003491:Cybernetics; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological