Expression of Cystic Fibrosis

An inherited life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system -Can't be cured, but treatment may help -Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong -Lab tests or imaging always required

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder. People with cystic fibrosis have mutations in both copies of a gene encoding a chloride ion channel.

Without properly functioning chloride channels, mucous accumulates in the lungs, making cystic fibrosis patients susceptible to bacterial infections. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatments include antibiotic therapy and lung transplants.

It usually causes a thick layer of mucus to build up in the lungs, as well difficulty for most of the body's organs to function. It leads to a high risk of infection, due to accumulation of bacteria in mucus. Cystic fibrosis is most common in Europeans, especially Caucasians and Northern Europeans, and is the textbook example of an autosomal recessive disease.