U-of-I gains knowledge in treating Cystic Fibrosis

University of Iowa researchers report more successes in the quest for a way to correct genetic defects of cystic fibrosis, or C-F. Dr. John Engelhardt directs the U-of-I’s Center for Gene Therapy, where a new therapy technique is being studied to reverse the damage done by C-F to a person’s respiratory system.C-F is an inherited disease which targets not only the respiratory system, but the digestive system. Dr. Engelhardt says the technology being developed at the Iowa City institution could help a person’s cells defend themselves from attacks by C-F.Ultimately, the therapy being developed would be used both to treat current C-F sufferers and to prevent the disease from striking anyone else. While there have been successes in the lab, Dr. Engelhardt says putting the techniques to the test in people may still be a few years away.Dr. Engelhardt is a professor of anatomy, cell biology and internal medicine at the U-of-I. His latest study is being published in the January issue of the journal “Nature Biotechnology”.