Defective CFTR causes cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a low conductance chloride-selective channel that mediates the transport of chloride ions in human airway epithelial cells. Chloride ions plays a key role in maintaining homoeostasis of epithelial secretions in the lungs. Defects in CFTR can cause cystic fibrosis (CF; MIM:602421), a common generalised disorder in Caucasians affecting the exocrine glands. CF results in an ionic imbalance that impairs clearance of secretions, not only in the lung, but also in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and liver. Wide-ranging manifestations of the disease include chronic lung disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, blockage of the terminal ileum, male infertility and salty sweat. The median survival of CF patients in North America and Western Europe is around 40 years.

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-5678895), read 2026-09-23.