CFTR Antibody / Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator

CFTR functions as an ATP-gated anion channel, increasing the conductance for certain anions (e.g. Cl+/-) to flow down their electrochemical gradient. ATP-driven conformational changes in CFTR open and close a gate to allow transmembrane flow of anions down their electrochemical gradient.[5] This in contrast to other ABC proteins, in which ATP-driven conformational changes fuel uphill substrate transport across cellular membranes. Essentially, CFTR is an ion channel that evolved as a 'broken' ABC transporter that leaks when in open conformation. CFTR is found in the epithelial cells of many organs including the lung, liver, pancreas, digestive tract, and the reproductive tract. [Wiki]