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Cystic Fibrosis is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR. This disrupts the transport of chloride and water, leading to thick mucus accumulation and lung infections. Current forms of treatment reduce the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis, but fail to fully solve the mutation, causing lifelong treatment for patients. This project utilizes synthetic biology to create a cure for this genetic disease, which is hosted in a harmless bacterial chassis. The Lactococcus lactis bacteria are a common bacterium used in food and medical research, which can be used to deliver the correct genetic instructions for the CFTR gene. This information will be delivered in the form of mRNA to lung cells, allowing them to successfully produce a functional gene without high risks. This bacterium will also host parts that will help the functioning gene fold and work correctly, increasing the likelihood of it functioning accurately. Since the bacterium can be easily removed, this method could pave the way for future genetic medicine.

Engineering a Bacterium to Restore CFTR Function in Cystic Fibrosis

School

John P. Stevens High School
Edison, NJ

BioBuilderClub Season

2025-2026 Season

Category

Resources

Poster

Lightning Talk Slide

Lightning Talk Audio

Abstract