Assessment of CFTR function in rectal biopsies for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
The Ussing chamber technique has contributed significantly to our understanding of the role of ion transport in the pathogenesis of human diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we summarize protocols developed to study the Cl- channel function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein in rectal biopsies from normal individuals and CF patients. These protocols can be applied to study the function and pharmacological modulation of wild-type and mutant CFTR in the context of the native epithelium. Together with sweat testing and genetic analyses, these functional measurements may aid in establishing a diagnosis of CF.
Department of Pediatrics III, Pediatric Pulmonology and Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg, lm Neuenheimer Feld 153, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany. mmall@med.unc.edu
Marcus
M
Mall
Stephanie
S
Hirtz
Tanja
T
Gonska
Karl
K
Kunzelmann
D001706:Biopsy; D002712:Chlorides / Q000502:physiology; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000502:physiology; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques / Q000379:methods; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*
C505032:CFTR protein, human; D002712:Chlorides; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator