We are testing the hypothesis that the malfunctioning of airway gland serous cells is a
component of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease. CF is caused by mutations that disrupt CF
transmembrane conductance regulator, an anion channel essential for proper fluid secretion
in some epithelia. Submucosal glands supply most of the mucus in upper airways, and
gland serous cells are the primary site of CF transmembrane conductance regulator
expression in airways. We have discovered a major defect in CF glands by in situ optical …