The Identification Of The Cf Cystic Fibrosis Gene

Proceedings of an international workshop held in Sestri Levante (Genoa), Italy, April 9--11, 1990

Cystic Fibrosis in the Light of New Research provides the latest research and clinical evidence that will be useful for clinicians, scientists and researchers to further their knowledge around this fascinating condition. The authors have brought along their expertise and wealth of knowledge to produce this book, including the basic science that underlies the disease, the burden of bacterial and viral infections, immunologic aspects of CF, a variety of clinical measurements to predict prognosis and novel therapies including gene therapy. This book will be invaluable and entertaining for anyone who is involved in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disorder in the white population. Since the discovery of the CF gene in 1989, scientists have learned a great deal about the biology of this disease, which strikes one child in every 3.300 births. With the gene pinpointed, scientists are now working on ways to replace it and are developing better tests for early diagnosis. Understanding Cystic Fibrosis charts the progress that has been made in identifying the mutations that cause CF and in understanding how these genetic errors cause a disease whose symptoms can range from mild respiratory distress to life-threatening lung infections. This book features a review of current available treatments; research that can lead to therapies and perhaps a cure; advice and resources for families and patients; how to work best with health-care providers and HMOs; the history and diagnosis of CF; who gets CF and why; how CF affects the lungs, intestines, and other organs; and a list of organizations, support groups, and resources.

Summary of Genes. Thirty years ago, the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), a recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, was identified. This progress has considerably changed our understanding of the pathophysiology of CF and has paved the way for the development of novel and specific therapies for the disease. The CFTR gene contains 27 exons and is characterized by a frequent three base pair deletion of the p.Phe508del. As a result of collaborative work, today more than 2000 mutations have been reported in the gene, and their impact on protein function is now more evident and useful in designing new strategies to correct the gene defect. The field of gene therapy, as illustrated by Ziying Yan in this book, has worked on identifying an efficient vector system for the delivery of the wild-type CFTR gene to the lung. At the same time, animal models have been developed in mice, rats, rabbits, zebrafish, ferrets, and pigs to establish the efficacity of gene delivery. These animals are also of the utmost importance in testing new molecules as modulators or correctors to improve the CFTR lung function. During the last three decades, the epidemiology of CF has dramatically changed, as today cystic fibrosis is now a chronic adult pulmonary disease.

This title explains clearly what is happening to the body in cystic fibrosis, what causes it and what treatment options are available for the different aspects of the disease. It also looks to the future in terms of potential new therapies and provides useful information on organisations that can provide help.