Small bowel and colonic ion channels in non-CF and CF patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Apical CFTR and high conductance potassium (BK) channels in small bowel and colon of non cystic fibrosis and cystic fibrosis patients
IRAS ID
228791
Contact name
Geoffrey Sandle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is serious genetic condition that leads to the absence of a chloride channel protein (known as CFTR) from the apical (luminal) membrane of cells lining the respiratory and intestinal tracts, the pancreas, and salivary glands. In people without cystic fibrosis , CFTR operates to allow chloride ions to pass into the lumen of the intestinal tract, driving water secretion, and stools remain moist and easy to pass. In their absence, stools become thick and sticky, and may lead to intestinal obstruction requiring surgery. \n\nThe chief investigator (GS) was the first to identify and characterize high conductance potassium (BK) channels in human colon, and has data showing these BK channels can be activated to promote sufficient potassium secretion to drive water secretion. The long-term aim is to establish whether specific BK channel openers are capable of activating BK channels and thus potassium secretion in cystic fibrosis patients, thereby promoting potassium-driven intestinal water secretion. This would increase the likelihood of CF patients being able to pass stools more easily, and reduce the risk of intestinal obstruction and surgery. \n\nBefore embarking on those studies, preliminary work (funded by a £5,000 donation by the Biswas Foundation to the University of Leeds) is required to localise apical CFTR and BK channels in epithelial cells lining the small intestine (duodenum and terminal ileum) and colon (proximal and sigmoid) of non CF and CF patients (including children) using archived intestinal tissue. This archived material (endoscopic biopsies or surgically removed tissue) will be retrieved from the Histopathology Department at St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, by Professor Kenneth MacLennan (Pathology), who will oversee immunohistochemical studies using commercially available specific antibodies to CFTR and BK channels. Data will be anonymised, only the sex, age, and whether non-CF or CF, being known to Professors Sandle and Peckham.\n
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0218
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion