Assessment of CFTR function in homozygous R117H-7T subjects.

Background: R117H is a frequent missense mutation included in most CFTR mutation panels. However knowledge about the residual function of R117H-CFTR channels in cystic fibrosis-affected organs, e.g. airways, intestines and sweat glands is presently lacking.

Methods: We evaluated clinical CF symptoms and assessed CFTR function by sweat tests, nasal potential difference and intestinal current measurements in 2 homozygous R117H individuals (7T variant).

Results: The CFTR activity in airways and intestine was within the normal range. However both individuals presented with a borderline sweat test and the male patient was infertile.

Conclusions: The lack of impact of the R117H mutation on chloride secretion in intestine and nose contrasts with the ~80% loss of CFTR activity reported in patch clamp studies. Apparently CFTR activity is not rate-limiting for chloride secretion in both tissues at levels >20% of normal, or compensatory factors may operate that are absent in heterologous host cells in vitro.