This epithelial ion channel is critical for regulating ion and water transport and maintaining fluid homeostasis. It facilitates the transport of chloride ions across cell membranes and is also permeable to bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻), with ion selectivity influenced by extracellular chloride concentration. The channel possesses intrinsic ATPase activity, using ATP binding and hydrolysis to gate passive anion flow. Additionally, it mediates ATP-dependent glutathione flux in vitro.
The channel modulates the activity of other ion channels and transporters, contributing significantly to airway fluid homeostasis. It regulates the pH and ion content of the airway surface fluid layer, supporting pathogen defense. The channel modulates epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity, influencing cell surface expression. It inhibits ENaC channels containing subunits SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G, as well as those with SCNN1D, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G, but not channels solely containing SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G.
It may regulate bicarbonate secretion and salvage via interaction with the transporter SLC4A7 and inhibit the chloride channel activity of ANO1. Furthermore, it plays a key role in chloride and bicarbonate balance during sperm epididymal maturation and capacitation, highlighting its importance in reproductive and respiratory physiology and overall epithelial ion transport regulation.
| Product Name | Recombinant Human CFTR Protein |
| Accession | P13569 |
| Host Species | Human |
| Gene | CFTR |
| Source | Wheat germ |
