Cystic fibrosis

- Cystic fibrosis is the most common lethal genetic disease in the United States, striking one out of every 2,500 people of European descent ​ - The cystic fibrosis allele results in defective or absent chloride transport channels in plasma membranes, leading to a buildup of chloride ions outside the cell​ - Symptoms include mucus buildup in some internal organs and abnormal absorption of nutrients in the small intestine​ - Untreated, cystic fibrosis can cause death by the age of 5​ - Daily doses of antibiotics to stop infection and physical therapies can prolong life​ - In the United States, more than half of those with cystic fibrosis now survive into their 40s​