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Dr. Prabhakar notes that the revolutionary advances in cell and molecular biology, as well as in genetic engineering over the past half-century, have provided remarkable insights into the structure and function of biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and sub-cellular levels. He observes that the shift in research emphasis from organ-level (or whole-body) studies to cellular and molecular physiology has coincided with a rapid decline in systems-level physiological research. While acknowledging the power of reductionist approaches, Dr. Prabhakar highlights the significant gap that has emerged between our understanding of molecular and cellular changes and their effects at the organ or whole-animal level.
According to Dr. Prabhakar, integrative physiology addresses this gap by incorporating concepts from cell and molecular physiology and biochemistry, applying them to understand function at the level of the whole animal or organ. Recognizing the importance of this approach, the University of Chicago established the Institute for Integrative Physiology (IIP) within the Biological Sciences Division in October 2010.
Dr. Prabhakar explains that the IIP was created to serve as an intellectual hub for faculty engaged in diverse areas of physiology, to promote collaborative research initiatives, and to oversee physiology education for medical, graduate, and undergraduate students. These objectives are supported by the IIP’s distinguished faculty. Dr. Prabhakar believes that the IIP extends well beyond the Biological Sciences Division to elevate the national and international visibility of physiological research at the University of Chicago and to train the next generation of leaders in the field.
Nanduri R. Prabhakar, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Harold Hines Jr. Professor of Medicine
Director, Center for Systems Biology
Director, Oxygen Sensing Department of Medicine
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