CFTR and cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease caused by mutations in a unique gene located on chromosome 7 (the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, CFTR) [1].The protein codifying CFTR gene behaves as a chloride channel and mutations cause an epithelial ion transport defect in the respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, and reproductive apparatuses, as well as in the pancreas and sweat glands.