News

A new study published in the journal Science Advances sheds light on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathology of cystic fibrosis (CF), and may assist in the development of targeted therapies against the disease. Researchers investigated the role of two proteins, KCNE3 and KCNQ1, and how they can contribute…

Raptor Pharmaceuticals recently presented the results of a meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of inhaled antibiotics for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections. The results, presented in London at the 2016 International Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS), showed that the company’s levofloxacin inhalation solution Quinsair was comparable in…

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, called ultrashort echo-time (UTE), can efficiently detect abnormalities in the structure and function of the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), a study reports. This finding suggests that UTE-MRI can be an alternative to current ways of diagnosing CF, which expose patients to radiation. The…

Lung inflammation in animal models of cystic fibrosis (CF) can be studied by a combination of genetics and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) techniques, that is, techniques that allow the non-invasive study of ongoing biological processes due to the ability of certain molecules to generate light, new research suggests. The study, “In vivo Monitoring…

Abnormal activation of inflammasomes, complexes that lead to the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in response to a pathogen, often contributes to respiratory infections and pathologic airway inflammation. In a recent study, Italian researchers looked at how two distinct inflammasomes, NLRC4 and NLRP3, participate in cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated lung infections, showing that NLRP3…

The abundant mucus in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients helps certain types of bacteria, called anaerobes, to survive and, in turn, support the survival and proliferation of more dangerous opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which otherwise would not find the nutrients they need in mucus-lined airways, a study reported. This symbiotic…

Sophia Genetics and Devyser announced a partnership to simplify the adoption of next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) for routine diagnostic laboratories. According to the terms of the agreement, Sophia Genetics will use its advanced analytical platform, Sophia DDM, to support Devyser’s NGS diagnostic kits for cystic fibrosis (Devyser CFTR) and hereditary breast…

The Journal of Innate Immunity published three studies that reviewed several central questions about lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). The reviews, prepared by three international opinion research leaders in the field, attempt to shed light on some still unclear aspects of this disease. These reviews “will help to consolidate…