Generation of cAMP-activated chloride currents by expression of CFTR
Article Abstract:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease afflicting Caucasians; it is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. This gene is expressed in epithelial tissue, a type of tissue that lines the airways. In CF patients, the transport of chloride ion across epithelial cell membranes is abnormal, leading to a lack of secretion of that ion. This occurs because a particular chemical process, cyclic AMP-dependent (cAMP-dependent) phosphorylation, which normally activates chloride ion channels, does not occur. To learn more concerning the function of the CFTR gene, a series of experiments with cultured cell lines was carried out. These cell lines (HeLa, CHO, NIH 3T3, and T84) expressed CFTR; its effects on various physiologic parameters of the cells were then observed. Of particular interest were the effects of CFTR on cell membrane permeability to halide (halogen ions, which include chloride and iodide). The results, and results from other studies, led to the development of three hypotheses concerning the role of CFTR: (1) CFTR is a cAMP-activated chloride ion channel; (2) CFTR directly regulates such channels; and (3) CFTR indirectly regulates such channels. When these hypotheses were evaluated with the research evidence, the favored hypothesis is that CFTR itself is a cAMP-activated chloride ion channel. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1991
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Cystic fibrosis
Article Abstract:
New studies on cystic fibrosis show that mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause intracellular trafficking defect. This defect prevents the CFTR molecule from operating properly, causing disorder in chloride transport.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 1995
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Glowing avalanches: new research on volcanic density currents
Article Abstract:
Volcanic density currents are denser-than-air mixtures of vapor and volcanic particles that flow down the sides of a volcano during an eruption. Researchers are re-examining the mobility and deposits of volcanic gravity flows.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1993
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