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On a general theoretical foundation for endocrinology
1Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Science Progress
|December 13, 2019
Summary
Hormones coordinate entire organisms, acting as messengers that influence multiple biological processes. This study proposes a framework where hormones mediate life history trade-offs and organismal decisions, shaped by evolution and fitness landscapes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Hormones function as whole-organism messengers, coordinating cellular and tissue cooperation for 'organismal harmony'.
- Emerging concepts link hormones to life history trade-offs shaped by evolutionary pressures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the concept of hormones mediating life history trade-offs to encompass all organismal-level 'decisions'.
- To propose a formal framework for understanding how organismal biology and fitness landscapes determine endocrine system dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual framework development.
- Exploration of minimalistic dynamics within the endocrine system.
Main Results:
- Hormones are proposed to mediate a broader range of organismal 'choices' beyond traditional life history trade-offs.
- A theoretical basis is established for linking organismal biology and fitness landscapes to endocrine system function.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal regulation is central to organismal decision-making and adaptation.
- The endocrine system's dynamics can be understood through the lens of evolutionary pressures and organismal biology.
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