CFTR and cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. This mutation impairs chloride transport across the epithelial membranes, thickening the mucus layer on the surfaces of the lung, intestines, pancreas, and other organs' surfaces [1].