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Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 48899

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carlos M. Farinha

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Guest Editor

BioISI – Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: CFTR trafficking; CFTR interactions; rare mutations; systems biology; post-translational modifications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Martina Gentzsch

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Co-Guest Editor

Marsico Lung Institute and Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
Interests: epithelial ion channels; CFTR; ENaC; cystic fibrosis; theratyping; modulators; protein processing; airway disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the recent years, the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) community has witnessed amazing developments with the approval of modulators to rescue the underlying defect in the most common CFTR mutations.

While modulators can now be used to treat CF in about 90% of individuals suffering from the disease, the rescue levels do not bring mutant CFTR to wild-type levels. The absence of better treatments may be due to the fact that the mechanisms of action for these drugs are still poorly understood. On the other hand, a significant proportion of individuals do not yet have a therapeutic option available that is based on the cellular and molecular defects associated with their genotypes, which prompts a continuous interest in studying disease mechanisms.

Thus, as we have seen in the past, addressing the root of the problem is still essential. CFTR interactions are a puzzle that never ceased to amaze the researchers and with the modulators now in the equation, the problem is still unsolved. Which interactions are critical to rescue CFTR? Which ones are in fact being altered by modulators? Which interactions are shared between common mutants and rare ones?

Topics of interest include:

Mechanisms through which interactions affect CFTR biogenesis and trafficking
Response to modulators or novel RNA or DNA targeting therapeutics
Change of cellular responses by approved or preclinical drugs that restore CFTR function
Overcoming disease symptoms by restoring mutant CFTR functional levels
Personalized therapies for rare CFTR mutations
Novel insights in the regulation of CFTR expression
Targeting other channels that affect dysregulations caused by the absence of functional CFTR

Prof. Dr. Carlos M Farinha
Prof. Dr. Martina Gentzsch
Guest Editors

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Keywords

CFTR trafficking
CFTR interactions
rare mutations
CFTR modulators
proteostasis
CFTR processing
alternative channels
gene editing
RNA therapeutics

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Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions 2.0 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (8 articles)

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25 pages, 5606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drug Repurposing for Cystic Fibrosis: Identification of Drugs That Induce CFTR-Independent Fluid Secretion in Nasal Organoids

by Lisa W. Rodenburg, Livia Delpiano, Violeta Railean, Raquel Centeio, Madalena C. Pinto, Shannon M. A. Smits, Isabelle S. van der Windt, Casper F. J. van Hugten, Sam F. B. van Beuningen, Remco N. P. Rodenburg, Cornelis K. van der Ent, Margarida D. Amaral, Karl Kunzelmann, Michael A. Gray, Jeffrey M. Beekman and Gimano D. Amatngalim

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(20), 12657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232012657 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3043

Abstract

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from severe respiratory disease due to a genetic defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which impairs airway epithelial ion and fluid secretion. New CFTR modulators that restore mutant CFTR function have been recently approved for a large group of people with CF (pwCF), but ~19% of pwCF cannot benefit from CFTR modulators Restoration of epithelial fluid secretion through non-CFTR pathways might be an effective treatment for all pwCF. Here, we developed a medium-throughput 384-well screening assay using nasal CF airway epithelial organoids, with the aim to repurpose FDA-approved drugs as modulators of non-CFTR-dependent epithelial fluid secretion. From a ~1400 FDA-approved drug library, we identified and validated 12 FDA-approved drugs that induced CFTR-independent fluid secretion. Among the hits were several cAMP-mediating drugs, including β2-adrenergic agonists. The hits displayed no effects on chloride conductance measured in the Ussing chamber, and fluid secretion was not affected by TMEM16A, as demonstrated by knockout (KO) experiments in primary nasal epithelial cells. Altogether, our results demonstrate the use of primary nasal airway cells for medium-scale drug screening, target validation with a highly efficient protocol for generating CRISPR-Cas9 KO cells and identification of compounds which induce fluid secretion in a CFTR- and TMEM16A-indepent manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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14 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulator Combination Improves In Vitro the Microrheological Properties of the Airway Surface Liquid of Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelia

by Alessandra Ludovico, Oscar Moran and Debora Baroni

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911396 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1919

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a plasma membrane protein expressed on the apical surface of secretory epithelia of the airways. In the airways, defective or absent function of the CFTR protein determines abnormalities of chloride and bicarbonate secretion and, in general, of the transepithelial homeostasis that lead to alterations of airway surface liquid (ASL) composition and properties. The reduction of ASL volume impairs ciliary beating with the consequent accumulation of a sticky mucus. This situation prevents normal mucociliary clearance, favoring the survival and proliferation of bacteria and contributing to the genesis of the CF pulmonary disease. We explored the potential of some CFTR modulators, namely ivacaftor, tezacaftor, elexacaftor and their combination Kaftrio^TM, capable of partially recovering the basic defects of the CFTR protein, to ameliorate the transepithelial fluid transport and the viscoelastic properties of the mucus when used singly or in combination. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells obtained from CF and non-CF patients were differentiated into a mucociliated epithelia in order to assess the effects of correctors tezacaftor, elexacaftor and their combination with potentiator ivacaftor on the key properties of ASL, such as fluid reabsorption, viscosity, protein content and pH. The treatment of airway epithelia bearing the deletion of a phenylalanine at position 508 (F508del) in the CFTR gene with tezacaftor and elexacaftor significantly improved the pericilial fluid composition, reducing the fluid reabsorption, correcting the ASL pH and reducing the viscosity of the mucus. Kaftrio^TM was more effective than single modulators in improving all the evaluated parameters, demonstrating once more that this combination recently approved for patients 6 years and older with cystic fibrosis who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene represents a valuable tool to defeat CF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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13 pages, 2042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The CFTR Amplifier Nesolicaftor Rescues TGF-β1 Inhibition of Modulator-Corrected F508del CFTR Function

by Charles Bengtson, Neerupma Silswal, Nathalie Baumlin, Makoto Yoshida, John Dennis, Sireesha Yerrathota, Michael Kim and Matthias Salathe

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810956 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2465

Abstract

Highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have led to dramatic improvements in lung function in many people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). However, the efficacy of CFTR modulators may be hindered by persistent airway inflammation. The cytokine transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is associated with worse pulmonary disease in PwCF and can diminish modulator efficacy. Thus, strategies to augment the CFTR response to modulators in an inflammatory environment are needed. Here, we tested whether the CFTR amplifier nesolicaftor (or PTI-428) could rescue the effects of TGF-β1 on CFTR function and ciliary beating in primary human CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells. CFBE cells homozygous for F508del were treated with the combination of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) and TGF-β1 in the presence and absence of nesolicaftor. Nesolicaftor augmented the F508del CFTR response to ETI and reversed TGF-β1-induced reductions in CFTR conductance by increasing the expression of CFTR mRNA. Nesolicaftor further rescued the reduced ciliary beating and increased expression of the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 caused by TGF-β1. Finally, nesolicaftor augmented the F508del CFTR response to ETI in CFBE cells overexpressing miR-145, a negative regulator of CFTR expression. Thus, CFTR amplifiers, but only when used with highly effective modulators, may provide benefit in an inflamed environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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18 pages, 6340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The NHE3 Inhibitor Tenapanor Prevents Intestinal Obstructions in CFTR-Deleted Mice

by Xinjie Tan, Archana Kini, Dorothee Römermann and Ursula Seidler

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 9993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179993 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2539

Abstract

Mutations in the CFTR chloride channel result in intestinal obstructive episodes in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and in CF animal models. In this study, we explored the possibility of reducing the frequency of obstructive episodes in cftr^−/− mice through the oral application of a gut-selective NHE3 inhibitor tenapanor and searched for the underlying mechanisms involved. Sex- and age-matched cftr^+/+ and cftr^−/− mice were orally gavaged twice daily with 30 mg kg⁻¹ tenapanor or vehicle for a period of 21 days. Body weight and stool water content was assessed daily and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) once weekly. The mice were sacrificed when an intestinal obstruction was suspected or after 21 days, and stool and tissues were collected for further analysis. Twenty-one day tenapanor application resulted in a significant increase in stool water content and stool alkalinity and a significant decrease in GTT in cftr^+/+ and cftr^−/− mice. Tenapanor significantly reduced obstructive episodes to 8% compared to 46% in vehicle-treated cftr^−/− mice and prevented mucosal inflammation. A decrease in cryptal hyperproliferation, mucus accumulation, and mucosal mast cell number was also observed in tenapanor- compared to vehicle-treated, unobstructed cftr^−/− mice. Overall, oral tenapanor application prevented obstructive episodes in CFTR-deficient mice and was safe in cftr^+/+ and cftr^−/− mice. These results suggest that tenapanor may be a safe and affordable adjunctive therapy in cystic fibrosis patients to alleviate constipation and prevent recurrent DIOS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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12 pages, 2006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conformational Variability in Ground-State CFTR Lipoprotein Particle Cryo-EM Ensembles

by Luba A. Aleksandrov, Adrei A. Aleksandrov, Timothy J. Jensen, Joshua D. Strauss and Jonathan F. Fay

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169248 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) is a dynamic membrane protein belonging to the ABC transporter family. It is unusual within this family as it is an ion channel, as opposed to a transporter. Activation of CFTR requires ATP and phosphorylation by PKA, and dysregulation of CFTR mediated salt and water homeostasis can lead to cystic fibrosis. Recent advancements in structural biological methods have led to more than 10 published CFTR structures, and, so far, all of these structures of CFTR, determined by cryo-EM, have been limited to detergent-purified protein preparations. To visualize CFTR in an environment that more closely represents its native membranous environment, we utilized two different lipoprotein particle encapsulation techniques: one in which the ion channel is first purified and then reconstituted using the membrane scaffolding protein Saposin A and another that uses the solubilizing polymer Sokalan CP9 (DIBMA) to extract CFTR directly from membranes. Structures derived from these types of preparations may better correlate to their function, for instance, the single-channel measurements from membrane vesicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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19 pages, 3636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential CFTR-Interactome Proximity Labeling Procedures Identify Enrichment in Multiple SLC Transporters

by Benoît Chevalier, Nesrine Baatallah, Matthieu Najm, Solène Castanier, Vincent Jung, Iwona Pranke, Anita Golec, Véronique Stoven, Stefano Marullo, Fabrice Antigny, Ida Chiara Guerrera, Isabelle Sermet-Gaudelus, Aleksander Edelman and Alexandre Hinzpeter

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 8937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23168937 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3471

Abstract

Proteins interacting with CFTR and its mutants have been intensively studied using different experimental approaches. These studies provided information on the cellular processes leading to proper protein folding, routing to the plasma membrane, recycling, activation and degradation. Recently, new approaches have been developed based on the proximity labeling of protein partners or proteins in close vicinity and their subsequent identification by mass spectrometry. In this study, we evaluated TurboID- and APEX2-based proximity labeling of WT CFTR and compared the obtained data to those reported in databases. The CFTR-WT interactome was then compared to that of two CFTR (G551D and W1282X) mutants and the structurally unrelated potassium channel KCNK3. The two proximity labeling approaches identified both known and additional CFTR protein partners, including multiple SLC transporters. Proximity labeling approaches provided a more comprehensive picture of the CFTR interactome and improved our knowledge of the CFTR environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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12 pages, 19366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expression of SLC26A9 in Airways and Its Potential Role in Asthma

by Jiraporn Ousingsawat, Raquel Centeio, Rainer Schreiber and Karl Kunzelmann

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(6), 2998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23062998 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2267

Abstract

SLC26A9 is an epithelial anion transporter with a poorly defined function in airways. It is assumed to contribute to airway chloride secretion and airway surface hydration. However, immunohistochemistry showing precise localization of SLC26A9 in airways is missing. Some studies report localization near tight junctions, which is difficult to reconcile with a chloride secretory function of SLC26A9. We therefore performed immunocytochemistry of SLC26A9 in sections of human and porcine lungs. Obvious apical localization of SLC26A9 was detected in human and porcine superficial airway epithelia, whereas submucosal glands did not express SLC26A9. The anion transporter was located exclusively in ciliated epithelial cells. Highly differentiated BCi-NS1 human airway epithelial cells grown on permeable supports also expressed SLC26A9 in the apical membrane of ciliated epithelial cells. BCi-NS1 cells expressed the major Cl⁻ transporting proteins CFTR, TMEM16A and SLC26A9 in about equal proportions and produced short-circuit currents activated by increases in intracellular cAMP or Ca²⁺. Both CFTR and SLC26A9 contribute to basal chloride currents in non-stimulated BCi-NS1 airway epithelia, with CFTR being the dominating Cl⁻ conductance. In wtCFTR-expressing CFBE human airway epithelial cells, SLC26A9 was partially located in the plasma membrane, whereas CFBE cells expressing F508del-CFTR showed exclusive cytosolic localization of SLC26A9. Membrane localization of SLC26A9 and basal chloride currents were augmented by interleukin 13 in wild-type CFTR-expressing cells, but not in cells expressing the most common disease-causing mutant F508del-CFTR. The data suggest an upregulation of SLC26A9-dependent chloride secretion in asthma, but not in the presence of F508del-CFTR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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21 pages, 9369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proximity Profiling of the CFTR Interaction Landscape in Response to Orkambi

by Melissa Iazzi, Audrey Astori, Jonathan St-Germain, Brian Raught and Gagan D. Gupta

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(5), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052442 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3591

Abstract

Deletion of phenylalanine 508 (∆F508) of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) anion channel protein is the leading cause of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Here, we report the analysis of CFTR and ∆F508-CFTR interactomes using BioID (proximity-dependent biotin identification), a technique that can also detect transient associations. We identified 474 high-confidence CFTR proximity-interactors, 57 of which have been previously validated, with the remainder representing novel interaction space. The ∆F508 interactome, comprising 626 proximity-interactors was markedly different from its wild type counterpart, with numerous alterations in protein associations categorized in membrane trafficking and cellular stress functions. Furthermore, analysis of the ∆F508 interactome in cells treated with Orkambi identified several interactions that were altered as a result of this drug therapy. We examined two candidate CFTR proximity interactors, VAPB and NOS1AP, in functional assays designed to assess surface delivery and overall chloride efflux. VAPB depletion impacted both CFTR surface delivery and chloride efflux, whereas NOS1AP depletion only affected the latter. The wild type and ∆F508-CFTR interactomes represent rich datasets that could be further mined to reveal additional candidates for the functional rescue of ∆F508-CFTR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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13 pages, 8561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rare Trafficking CFTR Mutations Involve Distinct Cellular Retention Machineries and Require Different Rescuing Strategies

by Sofia S. Ramalho, Iris A. L. Silva, Margarida D. Amaral and Carlos M. Farinha

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010024 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3059

Abstract

Most of the ~2100 CFTR variants so far reported are very rare and still uncharacterized regarding their cystic fibrosis (CF) disease liability. Since some may respond to currently approved modulators, characterizing their defect and response to these drugs is essential. Here we aimed characterizing the defect associated with four rare missense (likely Class II) CFTR variants and assess their rescue by corrector drugs. We produced CFBE cell lines stably expressing CFTR with W57G, R560S, H1079P and Q1100P, assessed their effect upon CFTR expression and maturation and their rescue by VX-661/VX-445 correctors. Results were validated by forskolin-induced swelling assay (FIS) using intestinal organoids from individuals bearing these variants. Finally, knock-down (KD) of genes previously shown to rescue F508del-CFTR was assessed on these mutants. Results show that all the variants preclude the production of mature CFTR, confirming them as Class II mutations. None of the variants responded to VX-661 but the combination rescued H1079P- and Q1100P-CFTR. The KD of factors that correct F508del-CFTR retention only marginally rescued R560S- and H1079P-CFTR. Overall, data evidence that Class II mutations induce distinct molecular defects that are neither rescued by the same corrector compounds nor recognized by the same cellular machinery, thus requiring personalized drug discovery initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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20 pages, 1796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CFTR Lifecycle Map—A Systems Medicine Model of CFTR Maturation to Predict Possible Active Compound Combinations

by Liza Vinhoven, Frauke Stanke, Sylvia Hafkemeyer and Manuel Manfred Nietert

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(14), 7590; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147590 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3001

Abstract

Different causative therapeutics for CF patients have been developed. There are still no mutation-specific therapeutics for some patients, especially those with rare CFTR mutations. For this purpose, high-throughput screens have been performed which result in various candidate compounds, with mostly unclear modes of action. In order to elucidate the mechanism of action for promising candidate substances and to be able to predict possible synergistic effects of substance combinations, we used a systems biology approach to create a model of the CFTR maturation pathway in cells in a standardized, human- and machine-readable format. It is composed of a core map, manually curated from small-scale experiments in human cells, and a coarse map including interactors identified in large-scale efforts. The manually curated core map includes 170 different molecular entities and 156 reactions from 221 publications. The coarse map encompasses 1384 unique proteins from four publications. The overlap between the two data sources amounts to 46 proteins. The CFTR Lifecycle Map can be used to support the identification of potential targets inside the cell and elucidate the mode of action for candidate substances. It thereby provides a backbone to structure available data as well as a tool to develop hypotheses regarding novel therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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Review

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18 pages, 2156 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mucins and CFTR: Their Close Relationship

by Kenichi Okuda, Kendall M. Shaffer and Camille Ehre

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810232 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3655

Abstract

Mucociliary clearance is a critical defense mechanism for the lungs governed by regionally coordinated epithelial cellular activities, including mucin secretion, cilia beating, and transepithelial ion transport. Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal genetic disorder caused by the dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel, is characterized by failed mucociliary clearance due to abnormal mucus biophysical properties. In recent years, with the development of highly effective modulator therapies, the quality of life of a significant number of people living with CF has greatly improved; however, further understanding the cellular biology relevant to CFTR and airway mucus biochemical interactions are necessary to develop novel therapies aimed at restoring CFTR gene expression in the lungs. In this article, we discuss recent advances of transcriptome analysis at single-cell levels that revealed a heretofore unanticipated close relationship between secretory MUC5AC and MUC5B mucins and CFTR in the lungs. In addition, we review recent findings on airway mucus biochemical and biophysical properties, focusing on how mucin secretion and CFTR-mediated ion transport are integrated to maintain airway mucus homeostasis in health and how CFTR dysfunction and restoration of function affect mucus properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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22 pages, 4203 KiB

Open AccessReview

Assays of CFTR Function In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo

by Anabela Santo Ramalho, Mieke Boon, Marijke Proesmans, François Vermeulen, Marianne S. Carlon and Kris De Boeck

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031437 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 11645

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis, a multi-organ genetic disease, is characterized by abnormal function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a chloride channel at the apical membrane of several epithelia. In recent years, therapeutic strategies have been developed to correct the CFTR defect. To evaluate CFTR function at baseline for diagnosis, or the efficacy of CFTR-restoring therapy, reliable tests are needed to measure CFTR function, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. In vitro techniques either directly or indirectly measure ion fluxes; direct measurement of ion fluxes and quenching of fluorescence in cell-based assays, change in transmembrane voltage or current in patch clamp or Ussing chamber, swelling of CFTR-containing organoids by secondary water influx upon CFTR activation. Several cell or tissue types can be used. Ex vivo and in vivo assays similarly evaluate current (intestinal current measurement) and membrane potential differences (nasal potential difference), on tissues from individual patients. In the sweat test, the most frequently used in vivo evaluation of CFTR function, chloride concentration or stimulated sweat rate can be directly measured. Here, we will describe the currently available bio-assays for quantitative evaluation of CFTR function, their indications, advantages and disadvantages, and correlation with clinical outcome measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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17 pages, 1548 KiB

Open AccessReview

Revisiting CFTR Interactions: Old Partners and New Players

by Carlos M. Farinha and Martina Gentzsch

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(24), 13196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222413196 - 7 Dec 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4297

Abstract

Remarkable progress in CFTR research has led to the therapeutic development of modulators that rescue the basic defect in cystic fibrosis. There is continuous interest in studying CFTR molecular disease mechanisms as not all cystic fibrosis patients have a therapeutic option available. Addressing the basis of the problem by comprehensively understanding the critical molecular associations of CFTR interactions remains key. With the availability of CFTR modulators, there is interest in comprehending which interactions are critical to rescue CFTR and which are altered by modulators or CFTR mutations. Here, the current knowledge on interactions that govern CFTR folding, processing, and stability is summarized. Furthermore, we describe protein complexes and signal pathways that modulate the CFTR function. Primary epithelial cells display a spatial control of the CFTR interactions and have become a common system for preclinical and personalized medicine studies. Strikingly, the novel roles of CFTR in development and differentiation have been recently uncovered and it has been revealed that specific CFTR gene interactions also play an important role in transcriptional regulation. For a comprehensive understanding of the molecular environment of CFTR, it is important to consider CFTR mutation-dependent interactions as well as factors affecting the CFTR interactome on the cell type, tissue-specific, and transcriptional levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Interactions)

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