Resilience as an Emergent Property of Allostatic Systems: An Integrative Framework from Developmental Mechanobiology to Systemic Physiology
Abstract:
Resilience has been traditionally conceptualized as an outcome of successful adaptation, but this narrative review proposes a transformative framework redefining it as an emergent property of allostatic systems calibrated during early development. Integrating evidence from embryological mechanobiology, allostatic physiology, and resilience research, we demonstrate how mechanical forces from the Spemann-Mangold organizer and notochord activate mechanotransduction pathways (YAP/TAZ) that converge with biochemical signals (Wnt/β-catenin, BMP/TGF-β, Sonic Hedgehog) on molecular integrators (mTOR, MAPK). This integration generates lasting epigenetic imprints that establish the operational parameters of the psychoneuroimmunoendocrine (PINE) system, thereby determining adaptive capacity throughout life. Resilience emerges as an observable manifestation of efficiently calibrated al lostatic systems, evidenced by multisystem coordination, predictive regulation, and efficient recovery from challeng es. This unifying framework transcends predominant fragmented views, providing foundations for mechano-epigen etic biomarkers and early interventions aimed at optimizing adaptive capacity. Translational implications include precision preventive medicine, intervention strategies during critical developmental windows, and reorientation of public health policies toward optimizing human adaptive potential. The proposed model addresses fundamental gaps in understanding how adaptive capacity emerges across the lifespan and offers novel approaches for promoting health through developmental optimization of allostatic calibration.
