In this proposed model, CF patients carrying 8.1AH express RNF5 at lower levels than non-carriers, resulting in lower protein levels of RNF5 and thereby less degradation of the misfolded mutated CFTR protein, improved Cl- secretion, lower mucus secretion and delayed colonization by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (Figure 8F). Here, CFTR is linked to cystic fibrosis.