The Search for Biological Truth Using Imperfect Models in an Imperfect World

Abstract

In this issue of the AJRCMB, Kim and colleagues (see article beginning on page 483) demonstrate that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) can cause reversible DNA damage to primary human fetal fibroblasts. The use of crude cigarette smoke extract on cells in culture is, well, crude, and has often been criticized. In this particular case, the novel, mechanistic information with potential relevance to lung pathobiology merited publication. Nevertheless, we asked the senior author to discuss and justify the use of CSE as a model system.