Science and Research

Puzzle resolved: CFTR mediates chloride homeostasis by segregating absorption and secretion to different cell types

In the lungs, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) regulates ion transport in surface-airway epithelia and submucosal glands, thus determining airway surface liquid (ASL) volume and mucus hydration. In this issue of the JCI, Lei Lei and colleagues report that the CFTR-rich and barttin/Cl- channel-expressing ionocytes mediate chloride absorption across airway epithelia, whereas the more abundant basal cells and secretory cells mediate chloride secretion. Thus, CFTR-mediated secretion and absorption of chloride ions in the lung are segregated by cell type, which has implications for future molecular therapies for cystic fibrosis lung disease.

  • Tümmler, B.

Keywords

  • Humans
  • *Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics/metabolism
  • Chlorides/metabolism
  • *Cystic Fibrosis/genetics/metabolism
  • Ion Transport
  • Homeostasis
Publication details
DOI: 10.1172/jci174667
Journal: J Clin Invest
Number: 20
Work Type: Original
Location: BREATH
Disease Area: CFBE
Partner / Member: MHH
Access-Number: 37843282

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