CFTR and cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting, autosomal recessive genetic disease [1], characterized by a reduced quantity and/or function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, leading to an impaired mucociliary clearance of the airways, followed by chronic inflammation, infection and thus progressive and irreversible loss of lung function [2].