2. Academic Validation
  3. CFTR rescue in W1282X cystic fibrosis patient-derived intestinal organoids (PDIOs) mediated by translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs)

CFTR rescue in W1282X cystic fibrosis patient-derived intestinal organoids (PDIOs) mediated by translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs)

  • Genet Med Open. 2025 Nov 17:4:103472. doi: 10.1016/j.gimo.2025.103472.
Riccardo Perriera 1 2,  Anabela S Ramalho 3,  Francois Vermeulen 3 4,  Emanuele Vitale 1,  Ivana Pibiri 1,  Andrea Pace 1,  Laura Lentini 1
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
  • 2 Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy.
  • 3 Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child Unit, CF research lab, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
  • 4 Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Pulmonology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
PMID: 41492359 DOI: 10.1016/j.gimo.2025.103472
Abstract

Purpose: Pathogenic variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene result in dysfunctions of the CFTR protein, leading to cystic fibrosis (CF). This genetic disorder is characterized by severe symptoms in the respiratory and digestive systems.Currently, highly effective CFTR modulator treatments, such as the Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor combination, may represent the primary therapeutic option for approximately 82% of people with cystic fibrosis who have at least 1 F508del variant. However, the remaining 18% with rare CFTR variants, including nonsense variants, often lack access to these therapies. Nonsense variants lead to nonfunctional CFTR proteins and contribute to more severe CF symptoms. Research efforts focus on understanding the effects of these variants on disease severity and response to treatment.

Methods: This study utilizes patient-derived intestinal organoids to evaluate the recovery of CFTR function in cells with nonsense variants.

Results: Specifically, we tested 3 translational readthrough-inducing molecules: NV848, NV914, and NV930. Our studies highlighted the positive effect of NV848 on patient Organoid swelling, improving CFTR channel function, whereas NV914 and NV930 did not induce Organoid swelling, similar to PTC124 treatment.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of translational readthrough-inducing molecules to restore CFTR function in cells with nonsense variants. By leveraging patient-derived intestinal organoids, our findings showed that NV848, in combination with Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor and the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay inhibitor NMDI14, enhances CFTR activity. This contributes to the development of personalized therapies for individuals with rare CFTR variants, addressing a critical unmet need in cystic fibrosis treatment.

Keywords

CFTR; Cystic fibrosis; Intestinal organoids; Nonsense variants; Translational readthrough.

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