Beclin 1 overexpression, or the application of cystamine or other antioxidants restored Beclin 1 function and autophagy and reverted the CF airway phenotype in human CF nasal biopsies, in vivo in Scnn1b-transgenic mice (a model of CF), and CftrF508del homozygous mice as well as in cells expressing mutant CFTR (ΔF508) in vitro. Here, SCNN1B is linked to cystic fibrosis.