Given their ability to alter ion transport (see Figure 1), purinergic receptors are also considered promising targets for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF), where defective ion transport and subsequent abnormal airway surface liquid volume is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene (2, 3). The gene discussed is P2RX4; the disease is cystic fibrosis.