Stem Cells and Cystic Fibrosis

There are always new studies being conducted to understand the potential therapeutic uses of stem cells. In this blog, we will be exploring a particular set of experiments conducted by two recognised experts in cloning and stem cell therapy, Frank McKeon and Wa Xian.

These two, from the Department of Biology and Biochemistry and the Stem Cell Centre at UH, have been looking into conducting tests to identify the source of the persistent inflammation in CF lungs.

If you are curious about what CF is, what the study has found and its connection to stem cells, read on.

What is Cystic Fibrosis 

The simple explanation for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is that it is an inherited, progressive disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The disease makes the body produce a sticky mucus that can build up in the lungs and pancreas. It causes long-lasting infections and inflammation, limits the ability to breathe and makes it difficult for sufferers to digest food.

It is caused by a defect cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which is what causes the body to produce the sticky mucus.

The Elements of the Study

Most new parents in the UK are familiar with the newborn blood spot screening programme, often referred to as the heel-prick test. Participation is optional, but it is routinely offered because it can identify a number of serious conditions shortly after birth, allowing treatment to begin as early as possible.

Researchers are now exploring whether genomic technology could expand the range of conditions that can be detected in infancy. One initiative investigating this possibility is the Newborn Genomes Programme.

The programme is examining how genomic sequencing could be used alongside existing newborn screening. Rather than looking for a small number of specific conditions, genomic analysis has the potential to identify a wider range of rare but actionable genetic disorders. The goal is to provide families and healthcare teams with information that could support earlier monitoring, intervention, or treatment where appropriate.

As discussed on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, the project brings together scientists, clinicians, ethicists, and parent representatives to consider both the opportunities and challenges involved. Organisations such as Genomics England are working closely with families and healthcare professionals to ensure that any future approach balances medical benefit with important considerations around consent, privacy, and the long-term use of genetic information.

The proposed process would involve collecting a small biological sample from a newborn, such as blood or saliva, and analysing it for a carefully selected group of genetic conditions where early diagnosis could make a meaningful difference to health outcomes.

Before any wider rollout, the programme plans to evaluate the practical, ethical, and clinical implications through a research pilot. The findings will help determine whether genomic screening could become a valuable addition to newborn healthcare in the future.

What Did the Researchers Find?

The researchers wanted to better understand why inflammation in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis can continue even when the underlying CFTR defect is being treated.

Drawing on previous research into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which shares some similarities with cystic fibrosis, the team investigated whether certain stem cell populations could be contributing to the ongoing inflammation seen in CF lungs.

Their findings suggest that some of the processes driving lung damage may be separate from the genetic mutation itself. In other words, while the faulty CFTR gene triggers the disease, additional biological mechanisms may help sustain inflammation and disease progression over time.

This is important because treatments known as CFTR modulators have already transformed care for many people with cystic fibrosis by correcting the malfunctioning protein in the cell. The study raises the possibility that future therapies could target these additional inflammatory pathways as well, potentially providing further benefits for people with more advanced lung disease.

While more research is needed, the work offers valuable insight into the complex biology of cystic fibrosis and may help guide the development of new treatment approaches in the years ahead.

For more details, you can view the original press release.

Stem Cell Storage 

Stem cells clearly have some amazing potential when it comes to medical therapies. So why should you store your child’s stem cells?

Usually when receiving stem cell treatments from a donor – whether that is a blood relative or stranger – the cells need to be as close a match to you own as possible. Worse still you may need to wait for a donor to come along which can take some time.

Here is why it is so beneficial to store your baby’s cord blood and tissue.

Should your child become sick then you will have immediate access to a 100% stem cell match as and when you need it. Second to that should they have a sibling that gets ill, you will again have immediate access to the stored stem cells that have a high chance of being a close match. (25% chance of being a perfect match and 50% chance of being a partial match)

With all this information, if you are interested in the process of cord blood banking you can get an info pack from us, which should give you all the details you need. We are also always happy to give you help over the phone.

If you or someone you love is affected by cystic fibrosis then check out the NHS website to get resources and information on different conditions. You can also get support from Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

None of the information on this website pertains to medical advice. For medical advice and support with your healthcare please speak to your designated Healthcare provider.