The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in reproductive health and disease.
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, which is expressed in epithelial cells of a wide variety of tissues including the reproductive tracts. Mutations in the gene encoding CFTR cause cystic fibrosis, a common genetic disease in Caucasian populations with a multitude of clinical manifestations including infertility/subfertility in both sexes. However, the physiological role of CFTR in reproduction and its involvement in the pathogenesis of reproductive diseases remain largely unknown. This review discusses the role of CFTR in regulating fluid volume and bicarbonate secretion in the reproductive tracts and their importance in various reproductive events. We also discuss the contribution of CFTR dysfunction to a number of pathological conditions. The evidence presented is consistent with an important role of CFTR in reproductive health and disease, suggesting that CFTR might be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive diseases including infertility.
Chan
Hsiao Chang
HC
Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. hsiaocchan@cuhk.edu.hk
Ruan
Ye Chun
YC
He
Qiong
Q
Chen
Min Hui
MH
Chen
Hui
H
Xu
Wen Ming
WM
Chen
Wen Ying
WY
Xie
Chen
C
Zhang
Xiao Hu
XH
Zhou
Zhen
Z
D000818:Animals; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000502:physiology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000502:physiology; D013083:Sperm Transport / Q000502:physiology
D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator