Articles: cftr-potentiator.
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Premature termination codons (PTCs) in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene result in nonfunctional CFTR protein and are the proximate cause of ~11% of CF causing alleles. Aminoglycosides and other novel agents are known to induce translational readthrough of PTCs, a potential therapeutic approach. Among PTCs, W1282X CFTR is unique, as it is a C-terminal CFTR mutation that can exhibit partial activity, even in the truncated state. ⋯ Primary nasal epithelial cells from a W1282X homozygous patient showed improved CFTR function in the presence of ivacaftor. Upon ivacaftor administration to the same patient, there was significant improvement in pulmonary exacerbation frequency, BMI, and insulin requirement, whereas FEV1 remained stable over 3years. These studies suggest that ivacaftor may have moderate clinical benefit in patients with preserved expression of the W1282X CFTR mutation by stimulating residual activity of the truncated protein, suggesting the need for further studies including the addition of efficacious readthrough agents.
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Case Reports
Ivacaftor and sinonasal pathology in a cystic fibrosis patient with genotype deltaF508/S1215N.
In patients with Cystic Fibrosis and a type III mutation, ivacaftor (Kalydeco(®), Vertex) can increase the opening time of the CFTR channel and improve chloride transport. Research showed significant improvement of lung function and increase in weight following ivacaftor use. ⋯ After 5 months of ivacaftor use, the CT-sinus showed complete resolution of the opacification of the paranasal sinuses and a decrease in symptoms of sinonasal disease. This positive effect of ivacaftor on sinonasal pathology seems promising, therefore more research is needed to evaluate the effect of ivacaftor on the upper airways in CF.
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Cystic fibrosis is a single gene, autosomal recessive disorder, in which more than 1,900 mutations grouped into 6 classes have been described. It is an example a disease that could be well placed to benefit from personalised medicine. There are currently 2 very different approaches that aim to correct the basic defect: gene therapy, aimed at correcting the genetic alteration, and therapy aimed at correcting the defect in the CFTR protein. ⋯ In the last 5 years, CFTR has been designated as a therapeutic target. Ivacaftor is the first drug to treat the basic defect in cystic fibrosis, but only provides a response in a small number of patients. New drugs capable of restoring the CFTR protein damaged by the most common mutations are required.