Figure 3.

CFTR deficiency improves survival of CRC cells under oxidative stress. Cancer cells are subject to oxidative stress via increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are therefore susceptible to oxidative-stress-induced cell death. A potentially protective mechanism for CRC cells involves CFTR-deficiency leading to increased retention of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in mitochondria. Enhanced GSH could cause decreased ROS levels, decreased oxidative stress and decreased apoptosis. Through this mechanism CFTR-deficiency may promote survival of CRC cells. Figure created using BioRender.com.