About Cystic Fibrosis

Inside of My Insides - Dylan Mortimer

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). CFTR mutations increase mucus production in a multitude of organs, particularly the lungs.

The disease affects approximately 70,000 people worldwide. Though recent development in remarkable small molecular therapies are providing new hope for patients with this disease, there is still no cure.

Lung infection remains one of the most severe and problematic symptoms of CF. Patients become infected with opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aerugionsa that they battle throughout their lifetime.

To ultimately cure CF we will need a dual approach that targets the underlying cause of the disease through CFTR targeted treatment, but also better anti-infectives and management of these complex lung infections.

Check out a news feature on our CF research here:

https://www.fox47news.com/neighborhoods/msu-campus/msu-lab-studies-promising-new-drug-to-treat-cystic-fibrosis