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The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in reproductive health and disease
Author(s) -
Chan Hsiao Chang,
Ruan Ye Chun,
He Qiong,
Chen Min Hui,
Chen Hui,
Xu Wen Ming,
Chen Wen Ying,
Xie Chen,
Zhang Xiao Hu,
Zhou Zhen
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.164970
Subject(s) - cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator , cystic fibrosis , infertility , disease , regulator , chloride channel , biology , bioinformatics , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , pregnancy , gene
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel regulated by cAMP‐dependent phosphorylation, which is expressed in epithelial cells of a wide variety of tissues including the reproductive tracts. Mutations in the gene encoding CFTR cause cystic fibrosis, a common genetic disease in Caucasian populations with a multitude of clinical manifestations including infertility/subfertility in both sexes. However, the physiological role of CFTR in reproduction and its involvement in the pathogenesis of reproductive diseases remain largely unknown. This review discusses the role of CFTR in regulating fluid volume and bicarbonate secretion in the reproductive tracts and their importance in various reproductive events. We also discuss the contribution of CFTR dysfunction to a number of pathological conditions. The evidence presented is consistent with an important role of CFTR in reproductive health and disease, suggesting that CFTR might be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive diseases including infertility.