Lung Infection (IMAGE)

University of Iowa Health Care

Lung Infection

Caption

This is a scanning electron microscopy image shows bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) on the surface of a CF-affect airway. Abnormally high acidity in CF airways impairs the ability of the airways to fight off bacterial infection. A new study identifies a proton pump called ATP12A as a cause of increased acidity in CF airways of people and pigs. The protein is missing in mice. The finding provides an explanation of why CF mice do not get lung disease and suggests that ATP12A may be a target for new CF therapies.

Credit

Tom Moninger, University of Iowa Health Care

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