Editors’ Note

Main Text

This issue of the Biophysical Journal has published a review article by Jonsson and Liljas, “Perspectives on the Classical Enzyme Carbonic Anhydrase and the Search for Inhibitors” (1). Carbonic anhydrase has wide ranging, vital physiological functions, and its inhibitors have several important medical applications. This article takes the unusual step of criticizing some of the research on carbonic anhydrase, and appeals for improved rigor in research to develop carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The Biophysical Journal takes peer review very seriously, and the criticism in this article has raised an already high bar even higher. Outstanding reviewers with appropriate expertise, not only in carbonic anhydrase but in enzyme kinetics in general, have validated the accuracy of the article. As the premier journal in the field of biophysics, and the principal research publication of the Biophysical Society, the journal takes the position that rigor in research is of utmost importance and hopes that this field of research, and its community of investigators, will benefit from drawing attention to a case where more rigor is needed.