CFTR and cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease which defects in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene product result in abnormally viscous secretions, mucus plugging of the airways, intense inflammation, chronic airway infection, and early death due to progressive bronchiectatic lung disease [1].