This peptide is a biologically-based compound consisting of a portion of a protein found in human nerve cells. Thus far, the compound has been tested in vitro. Tomich is now seeking support for more extensive animal trials and, eventually, clinical trials.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene inherited by offspring from each parent.
The chances that two symptomless carriers of the defective gene will have a child with cystic fibrosis is 25 percent. The disease causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which clogs the lungs and pancreas and prevents enzymes from reaching the intestines to digest food. In the lungs, this mucus eventually causes fatal infections. The team of K-State Research and Extension scientists led by Tomich is stringing together amino acids to form this potential therapy. Using computer models, peptide synthesis and laboratory tests, researchers are finding that the peptide can restore lost functionality caused by the defective cystic fibrosis cells.