Exploring DNA handling in cystic fibrosis lung disease - a pilot study.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study examining the factors that modify DNase activity in cystic fibrosis sputum.
IRAS ID
182692
Contact name
Simon Kolstoe
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Secretions in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients contains large amounts of DNA from dead cells. This DNA contributes to stickiness of the sputum making it hard to cough up and thus disease progression. One common treatment is for patients to inhale an enzyme called DNase that breaks down the DNA helping them to clear their lungs. However, the effectiveness of this treatment varies for unknown reasons and is ineffective in up to half of patients. This project will examine anonymised waste CF sputum (that would otherwise be discarded) for a number of factors that may alter DNase activity. No DNA sequence information will be gathered.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0159
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion