Murine CFTR channel and its role in regulatory volume decrease of small intestine crypts.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the secretory Cl(-) channel CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). Variation in the severity of disease has been attributed to mutations in the CFTR gene that cause different degrees of dysfunction of the CFTR Cl(-) channel. However, studies of mouse models of CF indicate that the severity of intestinal pathology is not correlated with activity of the CFTR chloride channel. This observation suggests that other 'environmental' factors might be important in determining the severity of disease. In this respect, we have identified and characterised an additional cellular defect in intestinal epithelial cells of CF mice, the inability of these cells to regulate their volume after hypotonic challenge. Here, we review the function of murine CFTR as both a Cl(-) channel and as a regulator of volume-dependent homeostatic cell mechanisms.
Valverde
M A
MA
Cell Signalling Unit, Departament de Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Universidat Pompeu Fabra, C/Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. miguel.valverde@cexs.upf.es
Vázquez
E
E
Muñoz
F J
FJ
Nobles
M
M
Delaney
S J
SJ
Wainwright
B J
BJ
Colledge
W H
WH
Sheppard
D N
DN
D000818:Animals; D048429:Cell Size; D018118:Chloride Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000502:physiology*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000166:cytology*; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D051379:Mice
D018118:Chloride Channels; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator