Dual RNA sequencing of a co-culture model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and human 2D upper airway organoids.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that is notorious for airway infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects. Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) coordinates virulence factor expression and biofilm formation at population level. Better understanding of QS in the bacterium-host interaction is required.

Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor efficacy in intestinal organoids with rare CFTR variants in comparison to CFTR-F508del and CFTR-wild type controls.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic disease caused by pathological variants of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. The CFTR modulator therapy elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor (ETI) rescues CFTR protein function and has made a significant impact on the lives of many people with CF. In Europe, ETI is currently available for people with CF who have at least one F508del mutation whilst the effect of ETI on rare CFTR variants remains unknown, albeit that many of such variants may be restored through ETI.

In vitro human cell-based models: What can they do and what are their limitations?

It is said that all models are wrong, but some are useful. In vitro human cell-based models are a prime example of this maxim. We asked researchers: when is your model system useful? How can it be made more useful? What are its limitations?

CFTR and colorectal cancer susceptibility: an urgent need for further studies.

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene result in cystic fibrosis, a multiorgan disease characterized by aberrant epithelial cell fluid secretion. Recent studies describe a connection between CFTR malfunctioning and a heightened susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we outline these links and suggest directions for further studies.