Abstract
Less than a year ago, the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis, the most prevalent genetic disorder affecting caucasians, was identified and sequenced. As a result, specific sequence changes in genes from affected children can now be correlated with their symptoms. Many of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis are associated with defective transport of chloride ions across epithelia, and Riordan et al. initially speculated, among other possibilities, that the gene might encode an epithelial chloride channel. Two papers on pages 362 and 366 of this issue reflect recent progress towards a molecular understanding of the disease.