30/10/2026
New research explores how chemical changes that influence gene activity may help explain why cystic fibrosis affects people differently.
Although CF is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, these mutations alone don't explain why some people experience more severe symptoms or complications than others. Researchers investigated whether epigenetics, chemical changes that influence how genes are switched on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence, could help explain these differences.
The study focused on DNA methylation, a process in which chemical tags attach to DNA and influence gene activity. Researchers analysed blood samples from people with CF and healthy participants, identifying hundreds of sites where these chemical patterns were associated with CF, lung function, body mass index or CF-related diabetes.
Many of the changes were linked to genes involved in inflammation and immune responses, supporting evidence that CF can cause inflammation throughout the body. The researchers also identified a particular methylation pattern associated with CF-related diabetes.
These findings provide further insight into the biological processes that may contribute to differences in CF symptoms and complications. However, further research is needed to determine whether these changes directly contribute to disease progression and whether treatments can influence them.
Read more: https://cysticfibrosisnewstoday.com/news/chemical-changes-affecting-genes-help-explain-differences-cf-patients/
