From replica to instruments: animal models in biomedical research

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Animal Models
• Human Biology

Background:

• Traditional animal models serve as surrogates for humans in biomedical research.
• The utility of animal species in understanding human biology extends beyond this traditional role.
• Laboratory organisms can offer insights into human biology through less direct methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To distinguish between two distinct roles of laboratory organisms in biomedical research.
• To define and characterize the "instrumental role" of animal models.
• To explore the prevalence and increasing significance of this instrumental role.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the roles of laboratory organisms.
• Characterization of the "instrumental role" with defined criteria.
• Illustration with examples from biomedical research, including cancer research.

Main Results:

• Laboratory organisms can function as "measuring devices" (instrumental role) rather than just surrogates.
• In the instrumental role, phenotypes detect or measure differences, not necessarily phenocopy human conditions.
• The instrumental role is argued to be more prevalent than commonly assumed.

Conclusions:

• A distinction between surrogate and instrumental roles for animal models is proposed.
• Contemporary biomedical research trends favor the instrumental application of laboratory organisms.
• The definition and application of "animal model" require re-evaluation in light of these roles.