This cell line may be used for elucidation of the mechanisms of CF, testing candidate complementary genes for correction of the observed CF abnormalities, and for developing and testing therapeutic CF drugs.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common genetic disease that affects the entire body, producing thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States, and is caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).

 

Researchers at NIEHS have developed a cell line, CF/T43, which was produced by infection of airway epithelial cells isolated from CF patients with an SV40T retrovirus. CF/T43 cells maintain the abnormal ion transport characteristics of CF while having proliferation capability beyond that of a primary epithelial cell culture.  Key features of the CF/T43 cell line include the formation of functional tight junctions, reduced apical membrane chloride conductance, and activation of apical chloride channels by calcium ionophores but not by cAMP-dependent agonists.  This cell line may be used for elucidation of the mechanisms of CF, testing candidate complementary genes for correction of the observed CF abnormalities, and for developing and testing therapeutic CF drugs.

 

Applications:

·     Research tool for developing new therapies to treat cystic fibrosis

·     Research tool for studying the mechanisms of cystic fibrosis

 

Publication:

AM Jetten, JR Yankaskas, MJ Stutts, NJ Willumsen, and RC Boucher. Persistence of abnormal chloride conductance regulation in SV40 T transformed cystic fibrosis airway epithelia. Science 1989 Jun 23;244(4911):1472-1475.  [PubMed abs]

U.S. Patent No. 5,420,033 issued 30 May 1995 (HHS Reference No. E-201-1989/0-US-01)

 

Inventor: 

Anton M. Jetten (NIEHS)

Licensees Sought:

Available for exclusive or nonexclusive licensing.