Cystic fibrosis mainly affects a protein in the cell membrane of certain cells, especially in organs like the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. This protein is called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and it sits in the outer membrane of epithelial cells where it controls the movement of chloride and bicarbonate ions in and out of the cell.

Quick Scoop

  • Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which provides instructions for making the CFTR channel protein.
  • The CFTR protein is located in the plasma (cell) membrane of epithelial cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and other organs.
  • When CFTR is faulty or missing from the cell membrane, ion and water transport are disrupted, leading to thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system.

In simple terms, the key “part of the cell” affected is the cell membrane , where the CFTR channel should normally be embedded and working to move salts and water. When that membrane channel does not work properly, many organs are secondarily affected because their lining cells cannot control fluid balance correctly.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.