Exploring the vision behind the Journal of Systems and Integrative Neuroscience and its mission to transform brain research through collaboration
It's not every day that a new scientific journal is born. But when Professor George Perry sat down to write his inaugural message as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Systems and Integrative Neuroscience (JSIN) in 2015, he wasn't just making a routine announcement. He was outlining a bold vision for how scientists could work together across traditional boundaries to solve the brain's greatest mysteries 1 .
Unlike typical academic writing filled with technical jargon, Perry's message struck a different tone—one of inclusive enthusiasm and collaborative mission.
He spoke of "profound pleasure, humility and anticipation" while celebrating the journal's launch, emphasizing that JSIN would provide an ideal forum for exchanging information on everything from neuroimmune interactions to mathematical models of brain function 1 .
This wasn't merely a new publication; it was a platform where laboratory researchers, clinical practitioners, and computational modelers could together advance our understanding of the human brain.
What makes JSIN's approach distinctive is its commitment to examining the "complex interplay among the brain, behavior and environment" through multiple levels of analysis 1 . Rather than focusing on just one narrow specialty, the journal welcomes research that connects dots across traditional boundaries.
of neuroscience breakthroughs involve interdisciplinary approaches
increase in collaborative publications since 2010
more citations for interdisciplinary neuroscience papers
| Research Category | Specific Examples | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroimmune Interactions | Brain-immune system communication | Understanding links between inflammation and mental health |
| Cognitive Processes | Development, aging, sensory integration | Addressing neurodegenerative diseases |
| Neural Networks | Models of learning, sensory gating | Artificial intelligence applications |
| Social & Biological Factors | Sex differences in brain function, hormonal modulation | Personalized medicine approaches |
This integrative approach responds to a growing recognition in the scientific community that understanding the brain requires collaborative, convergent approaches 1 . Many real-world problems in neuroscience are too complex to be solved by any single discipline alone.
Professor Perry emphasized this multidisciplinary perspective when he wrote that JSIN would welcome "contributions that can demonstrate near-term practical usefulness, particularly contributions that take a multidisciplinary/convergent approach because many real world problems are complex in nature" 1 .
To understand the type of research JSIN champions, consider a groundbreaking study published in early 2025 that created a comprehensive map of protein locations within human cells 7 . This work exemplifies the journal's mission by combining advanced technologies to generate insights with broad implications for understanding how cells respond to infections and other changing circumstances.
Scientists grew human cells in culture, carefully controlling conditions to ensure consistent results.
Using genetic engineering techniques, researchers attached molecular "tags" to proteins of interest.
Advanced microscopy techniques captured precise locations of thousands of proteins within cells.
Algorithms analyzed images to determine subcellular localization of each protein.
Findings were cross-referenced with existing knowledge and verified through multiple methods.
| Technique | Role in the Experiment | What It Revealed |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Tagging | Enabled visualization of specific proteins | Made invisible cellular processes observable |
| Super-resolution Microscopy | Broke the resolution barrier of conventional microscopy | Allowed precise mapping at near-molecular scale |
| Automated Image Analysis | Processed thousands of images efficiently | Identified patterns human eyes might miss |
| Data Integration | Combined new findings with existing knowledge | Created a comprehensive reference map |
The results were stunning—the team produced the most detailed map ever created of protein locations within human cells. The data revealed that many proteins work in specialized cellular neighborhoods, with their location often determining their function. The study identified previously unknown organizational principles governing how proteins interact within these subcellular environments 7 .
| Discovery Category | Specific Finding | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial Organization | Proteins with related functions often cluster in specific regions | Reveals efficiency principles in cellular architecture |
| Disease Connections | Mislocated proteins found in certain disease states | Suggests new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches |
| Cellular Adaptation | Protein locations change in response to infections | Explains how cells dynamically respond to threats |
| Novel Partnerships | Previously unknown protein complexes identified | Reveals new potential drug targets |
For neuroscience, this mapping is particularly valuable. Understanding where proteins are located in brain cells helps explain everything from how neurons communicate at synapses to what goes wrong in conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. As Perry noted in his inaugural message, understanding such fundamental cellular processes is essential for developing treatments for major neurological diseases 1 .
Modern neuroscience relies on a sophisticated array of research tools and reagents. These essential materials form the foundation of discovery, allowing scientists to probe, measure, and understand neural systems.
| Reagent/Material | Primary Function | Research Applications |
|---|---|---|
| CRISPR-Cas9 Systems | Precise gene editing | Studying gene function in brain disorders; developing gene therapies |
| Calcium Indicators | Visualizing neural activity | Tracking which neurons fire during specific behaviors or tasks |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | Identifying specific proteins | Locating disease-related proteins in brain tissue; diagnostic tests |
| Viral Vectors | Delivering genes to neurons | Introducing sensors or modifying activity in specific cell types |
| Stem Cells | Modeling diseases; regeneration | Creating human neurons in dishes for testing drugs |
The importance of these research tools extends beyond basic science. As Perry emphasized, JSIN specifically welcomes translational neuroscience that aims to "develop an understanding and treatment of major neurological diseases" 1 . The reagents listed above are exactly the types of tools that enable such translational work, allowing scientists to bridge the gap between understanding fundamental brain biology and developing treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and depression.
Professor Perry's inaugural message outlined a publishing philosophy designed to speed up scientific progress. JSIN implemented a rapid review process, aiming to complete evaluations within two months of initial submission 1 . This addresses a common frustration in academic research—long delays between discovery and publication that can slow down the entire scientific enterprise.
As Perry concluded his message, he extended an invitation to everyone in the neuroscience community to "submit their exciting research to JSIN" 1 . This inclusive vision continues to guide the journal, with a commitment to publishing "all discoveries, methods, resources, and reviews that significantly advance the field of Neuroscience and its applications."
The future of neuroscience lies in continued integration—connecting researchers across disciplines, linking basic findings to clinical applications, and leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced imaging. Journals that foster these connections, as JSIN set out to do, create the collaborative ecosystems where true breakthroughs emerge.
As we stand on the brink of new understandings about the brain—from the intricate protein mappings within each cell to the vast networks that form our thoughts and memories—this collaborative, integrative spirit may be the key that unlocks the brain's deepest secrets. And it all begins with a simple message: "We welcome you to this journal—your journal!" 1
References will be listed here in the final version.