This is exemplified by CF, a severe genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene encoding a cAMP‐dependent epithelial chloride channel, where studies in HBE cultures provided key insights into how CFTR dysfunction is linked to the development of highly viscoelastic mucus, impaired mucociliary clearance and chronic airway disease (Hill et al., 2022). Here, CFTR is linked to hereditary disease.