Cystic fibrosis

Definition

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, leading to the production of thick and sticky mucus. This mucus can clog the airways and create a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in frequent lung infections and other serious health complications. The disorder is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which encodes a protein responsible for the transport of chloride ions across epithelial cell membranes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cystic fibrosis is most commonly diagnosed in children, with symptoms often appearing in infancy or early childhood, including persistent coughing and difficulty gaining weight.
2. The disorder is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, with the most common mutation being F508del, which affects protein folding and function.
3. Patients with cystic fibrosis are at a higher risk for developing respiratory issues, such as bronchiectasis, as well as pancreatic insufficiency due to blocked ducts in the pancreas.
4. Genetic testing can identify carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene mutation, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention strategies for affected individuals.
5. With advancements in treatment options, including gene therapy and personalized medicine, individuals with cystic fibrosis are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.

Review Questions

• How does the CFTR gene mutation lead to the symptoms observed in individuals with cystic fibrosis?
  • Mutations in the CFTR gene disrupt the production or function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein, which is crucial for regulating chloride ions in epithelial cells. This disruption leads to an imbalance in salt and water transport across cell membranes, resulting in thick and sticky mucus production. This abnormal mucus obstructs airways and glands, causing respiratory issues and digestive problems that are characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
• Discuss the implications of cystic fibrosis being an autosomal recessive disorder in terms of genetic counseling for families.
  • Since cystic fibrosis is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, both parents must be carriers of the CFTR mutation for their child to be affected. Genetic counseling becomes essential for families with a history of cystic fibrosis or those who are planning to have children. Counselors can provide information on carrier testing, assess risks of passing on the disorder, and discuss available reproductive options if both parents are carriers.
• Evaluate how advancements in treatment options have changed the prognosis for individuals with cystic fibrosis over recent decades.
  • Advancements in treatment options have significantly improved the prognosis for individuals with cystic fibrosis. Innovations such as targeted therapies that address specific CFTR mutations and improved management techniques for lung infections have led to increased life expectancy and quality of life. As a result, patients now have access to personalized medicine approaches that not only treat symptoms but also tackle underlying causes. This transformation reflects a broader shift in understanding genetic disorders and optimizing care strategies for chronic conditions.

Related terms

CFTR gene: The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis, which provides instructions for making the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein that helps control the movement of salt and water in and out of cells.

autosomal recessive inheritance: A mode of inheritance in which an individual must inherit two copies of a mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the trait or disorder, such as cystic fibrosis.

lung infections: Infections that occur when bacteria invade the lungs, a common complication for individuals with cystic fibrosis due to mucus buildup that obstructs airflow and traps pathogens.