An experimental RNA-based approach restored production and function of CFTR — the protein that is faulty or missing in cystic fibrosis (CF) — in preclinical models carrying disease-causing nonsense mutations, a study shows. These mutations introduce an incorrect stop signal in the genetic instructions for making CFTR, causing cells…

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) — tiny sacs released by bacteria containing pro-inflammatory molecules  — have been found at elevated levels in the bloodstream of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), particularly in those whose lungs are infected with the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the pilot study, the researchers call…

I celebrated nine whole years with my new lungs on Aug. 18. My husband took me to my favorite lake, where we logged some hours at the beach, jumped into the cold water, and ate at our favorite local spots. The day gave me some much-needed time to reflect on…

A single dose of an inhaled experimental gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) — one designed to treat people regardless of their disease-causing genetic mutation — was shown in an animal model to sustainably boost CFTR gene activity and protein levels in the lungs and spread to several other…

Two U.S.-based researchers aiming to help gene-corrected airway stem cells grow and survive long enough to repair lung tissue — with the goal of developing a long-lasting treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) — have received a grant from the nonprofit Emily’s Entourage. This type of stem cell therapy may…

I recently had the privilege of attending a virtual experience called Spit It Out. That’s a storytelling and public speaking training series created with a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) Impact Grant. It’s led by Katherine Russell. And this Impact Grant truly impacted me. Russell, who has cystic fibrosis (CF)…