Research opens up new avenues for cystic fibrosis treatment
Cystic fibrosis may be a genetic that commonly affects individuals of European descent. The condition is caused by mutations within the gene coding a protein known as “cystic pathology transmembrane electrical phenomenon regulator” (or CFTR for short). CFTR forms a channel within the membrane of cells within the lungs that facilitate transport salt across the membrane. Mutated versions of the protein don't seem to be as efficient at transporting salts, and eventually this damages the respiratory organ tissue. As the harm progresses, people become terribly susceptible to microorganism infections that additional harm the lungs and eventually result in death. One of the explanations CFTR mutations are harmful is that they cause the protein to fold up incorrectly and stay bound within the cell. Cells have quality control systems that recognize and destroy poorly folded proteins, and then solely many of the mutated CFTR proteins ever build it to the membrane to maneuver salts.