Exploring how the Federation of European Physiological Societies is advancing our understanding of human physiology through collaborative research
Member Societies
Scientists
Founded
Mission: Unite European Physiology
From the beating of our hearts to the intricate workings of our immune system, physiology reveals how life functions. This fundamental science explores the intricate mechanisms that keep us alive and healthy, yet in Europe, the very researchers dedicated to understanding these processes have long worked in relative isolation across national borders.
Enter The Federation of European Physiological Societies (FEPS), an organization founded in 1991 to bridge these divides and create a united scientific community 1. With 35 member societies representing approximately 8,000 scientists 6, FEPS has become the cornerstone of physiological research across the continent, fostering collaborations that are yielding remarkable insights into health and disease.
This article explores how this federation is strengthening European science and examines the groundbreaking discoveries emerging from its collaborative networks, including recent Nobel Prize-winning research that has redefined our understanding of the immune system.
Physiology represents the foundational science of life, exploring how living organisms function at every level—from the molecular interactions within a single cell to the coordinated efforts of multiple organ systems 9.
Unlike the United States, which has a single, large physiological society with approximately 11,000 members, Europe operates through about 30 separate national societies 6.
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance 3, identifying regulatory T cells as the immune system's security guards.
The laureates identified regulatory T cells—specialized immune cells that act as the immune system's security guards, preventing misguided attacks on the body itself 37.
Brunkow and Ramsdell later identified the FOXP3 gene as the master regulator that controls their development and function 10.
For decades, immunologists understood that the body eliminates most self-reactive immune cells during their development in the thymus—a process called central tolerance. However, clinical observations revealed that this couldn't be the whole story.
Identified a previously unknown class of immune cells (later named regulatory T cells) - first evidence of specialized cells preventing autoimmune disease outside the thymus.
Discovered mutations in the Foxp3 gene cause severe autoimmunity in mice and humans - identified the genetic master switch controlling immune regulation.
Proved Foxp3 gene governs development of regulatory T cells - connected the genetic and cellular discoveries, establishing the Foxp3-Treg axis.
| Experimental Model | Observed Outcome | Scientific Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Normal mice without CD4+CD25+ T cells | Development of multiple autoimmune diseases | Proof that these cells normally suppress autoimmune responses |
| Scurfy mice (FOXP3 mutation) | Severe, fatal autoimmune inflammation | Demonstration that FOXP3 is essential for immune restraint |
| Humans with FOXP3 mutations | IPEX syndrome (severe pediatric autoimmune disease) | Confirmation of mechanism's relevance to human health |
| Cancer microenvironment | Tumors recruit Tregs to suppress anti-tumor immunity | FOXP3+ T cells can unfortunately protect cancers from immune attack |
Modern physiological research relies on sophisticated reagents and tools to unravel the body's mysteries.
| Reagent/Method | Primary Function | Application Example | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakaguchi's reagent | Detects arginine in proteins | Identifying arginine-rich proteins in immune signaling | Specific chemical detection |
| Fehling's reagent | Detects reducing sugars like glucose | Diabetes research and diagnostics | Urine glucose monitoring |
| Fenton's reagent | Oxidizes contaminants | Studying oxidative stress in cells | Hydrogen peroxide + iron catalyst |
| Tag-lite technology | Studies receptor-ligand interactions | GPCR signaling research (e.g., hormone receptors) | Non-radioactive TR-FRET-based |
| PCR kits | Detects specific genetic sequences | Identifying gene expression patterns in tissues | Amplifies trace DNA/RNA |
| GPCR membrane preparations | Studies cell surface receptors | Drug discovery for hormone-related conditions | Contains functional receptors |
These tools enable physiologists to ask increasingly precise questions about how our bodies function. For instance, GPCR research reagents allow scientists to understand how cells communicate via surface receptors, illuminating processes ranging from hormone action to neurotransmitter signaling 8.
The Federation of European Physiological Societies represents a vital force in unifying and strengthening the continent's scientific community. By fostering collaboration between researchers across national borders, FEPS amplifies the impact of European physiology, enabling breakthroughs like the understanding of regulatory T cells that earned this year's Nobel Prize 36.
FEPS aims to establish a pan-European physiology meeting that could rival major international conferences 6.
"Our ambition is to have a single pan-European Physiology meeting" - FEPS President David Eisner 6.
The story of FEPS and the groundbreaking research it enables reminds us that scientific progress thrives on collaboration—between disciplines, across methodologies, and beyond borders.