Lastly SLC26 function may be critical for cystic fibrosis condition (CF; MIM 219700), a disease which is due to mutations in CFTR, and characterized by general defective electrolyte transport, chronic lung infections and inflammation, respiratory failure, digestive symptoms and male infertility (i.e., congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens). This evidence concerns the gene CFTR and cystic fibrosis.