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Mucus aberrant properties in CF: Insights from cells and animal models
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Mucus aberrant properties in CF: Insights from cells and animal models

Camille Ehre, Gunnar C Hansson, David J Thornton and Lynda S Ostedgaard
Journal of cystic fibrosis, Vol.22(Suppl. 1), pp.S23-S26
03/2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.08.019
PMCID: PMC10018425
PMID: 36117114
url
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10018425/pdf/nihms-1880296.pdfView
Open Access

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal genetic disorder caused by the dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, is characterized by mucus accumulation in the lungs, the intestinal tract, and the pancreatic ducts. Mucins are high-molecular-weight glycoproteins that govern the biochemical and biophysical properties of mucus. In the CF lung, increased mucus viscoelasticity is associated with decreased mucociliary clearance and defects in host defense mechanisms. The link between defective ion channel and abnormal mucus properties has been investigated in studies involving cell and animal models. In this review article, we discuss recent progress toward understanding the different regions and cells that express CFTR in the airways and how mucus is produced and cleared from the lungs. In addition, we reflect on animal models that provided insights into the organization and the role of the mucin network and how mucus and antimicrobial activities act in concert to protect the lungs from invading pathogens.

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