Research Opportunities:
THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR RESEARCH

Organ and Tissue Donation

Cultured cells from the tissue samples are used to create in vitro (in glass in the laboratory) models of the airway epithelium (layer of cells forming the surface). The use of these cells has been of critical importance to studies of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway and lung disease. Investigators have been able to culture the cells as an epithelium which retains the properties of the in vivo airway (as in the living body). Studies of these epithelia have provided many new insights into the reasons of the disease. In particular, the use of these cells has allowed us to focus work on the development of new treatments for CF. Results with the CF airway cells has led us to test and develop adenoviruses (like the common cold virus) and cationic lipids (special fat particles) genes as carriers to gene therapy of CF. Studies in CF patients showed that these restore the abnormal salt movement found in these patients. More efficient methods of gene transfer are now being developed. Other studies focus on the defects within the cell in CF in order to undersand better the origin and mechanics of the disease. Current work suggests that airway infections in CF airway develop because of the loss of a local antibacterial defense mechanism on the airway surface. However, availability of tissue samples from both CF and non-CF patients is the major limiting factor in much of this work.

Please consider donation of both non-CF and CF tissue by:
----sending nasal polyps and/or turbinates if you are to have surgery
----surgical partial or complete removal of a lung
----lungs if you get a lung transplant
----lung/trachea tissue donation post mortem

Information on how to become an ogan or tissue donor:
----Contact your Statewide Organ Procurement Organization
----Visit the United Network for Organ Sharing Transplantation Information Site (UNOS)

If you have any questions or would like more information concerning donating or trials in CF research please contact
Jan Launspach

Please obtain shipping instructions for donation by contacting Philip Karp