Overview
Our laboratory investigates the structure and function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR), as well as the mechanisms driving cystic fibrosis (CF) disease pathophysiology. CF is a multiorgan disease. However, the leading cause of mortality is respiratory failure. CFTR functions as an anion channel, allowing for the movement of chloride ions to the airway lumen. Dysfunctional CFTR in the airways leads to dehydration, mucus obstruction, bacterial infections, and inflammation. This vicious cycle leads to a gradual decline in lung function in people with CF (pwCF). Lung function decline is further exacerbated by the onset of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), the most common CF comorbidity. The mechanisms driving accelerated lung function decline, both with and without CFRD, are still unknown, and this is one of the major areas of research at the McCarty lab. Further, CFTR is sensitive to both membrane lipids and lipid-mediated signaling. Our lab also investigates the role of membrane lipids, particularly cholesterol, on CFTR structure and function. By combining a wide range of molecular biology and electrophysiology techniques, we hope to make significant contributions in the CF field to improve the life expectancy and quality of life of pwCF.