Composed of 1480 amino acids in 5 domains, each connected by a nucleotide binding domain. There are 6 alpha helices and 2 trans-membrane domains. It has 27 exons, 26 introns, and it is a glycoprotein.
Function
The protein regulates transport of bicarbonate and chloride ions. Important for fluid and osmotic homeostasis. The Chloride channel only opens when the R domain is phosphorylated. It also protects against pathogens by regulation the pH of airway surfaces.
Disease
When the protein isn't functional it causes Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The gene is autosomal recessive. CF prevents successful excretion of wastes in many organs. Less functional proteins may result in sterility in males.
Relevance
The protein is crucial for chlorine and thiocyanate ion circulation in epithelial cells, with lack of function leading to serious disease.
Structural highlights
The nbd1 domain is altered in CF patients, due to deletion of residue Phe-508 which results in a severe loss of function.
Mutation at any of the below sites confers resistance to salmonella to the cell.
These mutations also prevent diarrhea from Cholera in mice.
References
Araújo FG, Novaes FC, Santos NP, Martins VC, Souza SM, Santos SE, Ribeiro-dos-Santos AK (January 2005). "Prevalence of deltaF508, G551D, G542X, and R553X mutations among cystic fibrosis patients in the North of Brazil". Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 38 (1): 11–5. doi:10.1590/S0100-879X2005000100003. PMID 15665983.
Kavic SM, Frehm EJ, Segal AS (1999). "Case studies in cholera: lessons in medical history and science". Yale J Biol Med. 72 (6): 393–408. PMC 2579035 Freely accessible. PMID 11138935.
Cystic Fibrosis Mutation Database. "Genomic DNA sequence".
