Cystic Fibrosis Canada and CIHR Announce New Co-Funded Research Study 

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is pleased to share that a new research project has been selected for co-funding for the Priority Announcement: Cystic fibrosis across the lifespan project grant, with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and its Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH). 

The selected project: “Investigating complex genetic and epigenetic variations across the genome using long-read sequencing,” is led by Dr. Lisa Strug, a researcher at the University of Toronto and Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children. She is joined by co-investigators Dr. Andrew Paterson, Dr. Felix Ratjen and Dr. Delnaz Roshandel. 

What the research is about 

Even when two people have the same cystic fibrosis mutation, they can have very different symptoms. Some may get sick more often while others experience milder disease. Researchers think these differences are partly due to other genes in a person’s DNA, often called “modifier genes.” 

To understand these differences more clearly, Dr. Strug and her team will study parts of the gene that are usually hard to examine because they contain complex DNA sequences. They will use a newer technology called “long-read sequencing”, which can give a clearer picture of what is happening. 

Looking beyond genes 

The team will also look at DNA methylation: tiny chemical markers on DNA that can affect whether a gene is turned “on” or “off.” These markers can change with age and may change faster in people with CF. Understanding these patterns could help show how CF progresses over time. 

What this could mean for the CF community 

By mapping out these complex genetic areas and chemical markers, the team hopes to learn why CF affects people so differently. Their findings could: 

• Help predict disease severity 
• Point to new treatment targets 
• Offer insights that support more personalized care 
• Improve understanding of other genetic diseases 

In simple terms: this study is helping researchers understand why CF doesn’t look the same for everyone and how this knowledge could lead to better tools and treatments in the future. 

Cystic Fibrosis Canada congratulates Dr. Strug and her team on this exciting and meaningful research.