Disruption of the CFTR gene produces a model of cystic fibrosis in newborn pigs

Science. 2008 Sep 26;321(5897):1837-41. doi: 10.1126/science.1163600.

Abstract

Almost two decades after CFTR was identified as the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), we still lack answers to many questions about the pathogenesis of the disease, and it remains incurable. Mice with a disrupted CFTR gene have greatly facilitated CF studies, but the mutant mice do not develop the characteristic manifestations of human CF, including abnormalities of the pancreas, lung, intestine, liver, and other organs. Because pigs share many anatomical and physiological features with humans, we generated pigs with a targeted disruption of both CFTR alleles. Newborn pigs lacking CFTR exhibited defective chloride transport and developed meconium ileus, exocrine pancreatic destruction, and focal biliary cirrhosis, replicating abnormalities seen in newborn humans with CF. The pig model may provide opportunities to address persistent questions about CF pathogenesis and accelerate discovery of strategies for prevention and treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Chlorides / metabolism
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / genetics*
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / metabolism
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / genetics
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / pathology
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Gallbladder / pathology
  • Ileus / pathology
  • Ileus / physiopathology
  • Intestines / pathology
  • Ion Transport
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / pathology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Male
  • Pancreas, Exocrine / pathology
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Swine*

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator