CFTR protein

Question

What is the route of production of CFTR protein until it’s arrival at destination?

Answer

From the CFTR gene transcripts are produced in the nucleus of the cell. These CFTR transcripts leave the nucleus via small openings and arrive in the cytoplasm (the main body of the cell). These then travel through specific compartments in the cell. In the endoplasmic reticulum (one of these compartments) ribosomes translate the transcripts into CFTR proteins. Vesicles containing CFTR proteins are detached from the endoplasmic reticulum and move to the Golgi apparatus (another cell compartment). They fuse with the Golgi apparatus. In the Golgi apparatus the CFTR protein is being glycosilated (this means that specific sugars are added on to the protein). Vesicles containing glycosilated CFTR protein then detach from the Golgi apparatus. These vesicles have an outer lining ‘ a membrane’ and it is within this membrane that the CFTR protein is contained. The vesicles move to the cell surface and towards the outer cell membrane. The membrane of the vesicle becomes confluent with the membrane of the cell (just as 2 oil drops will merge to form one big oil drop) and in this way CFTR reaches the cell membrane and is imbedded in the cell membrane, its final destination. Here the CFTR protein can fulfill its function that is being a chloride channel and opening when it is being activated so that chloride and possibly other ions can be transported from the cell to the outside.
Kind regards
H. Cuppens

11.01.2011