Research Milestones
- Landmark discovery in 1989 of the gene responsible for CF
- Discovery of genes that modify the function of the gene responsible for CF, thus opening the way for tailored therapies for patients at specific risk
- Identification of compounds (via high throughput screening) which are effective, under laboratory conditions, in 'fixing' the basic defect in CF
- Demonstration, in mouse model, of the potential of 'protein replacement' as a viable treatment for cystic fibrosis
- Identification, and demonstration of the potential of naturally-occurring antibiotics (defensins and cationic peptides), to reduce infection and inflammation in CF lung disease, and resolve infection in other conditions
- Enhancement of lung transplant techniques under laboratory conditions, and subsequent execution of the world's first successful double-lung transplants involving an individual with CF
- Continued research on new approaches to maintaining function of transplanted organs, leading to more organs available for transplant, and shorter waiting times for this life-sustaining surgery
Reviewed/updated: 2009-10-16
