Exploring new research ideas in cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Canada invests $250,000 in innovative projects that respond to unmet needs

Cystic Fibrosis Canada has announced funding for five new research projects that will explore innovative ideas to reduce cystic fibrosis complications and identify new treatment options for those who currently lack them. The five initiatives total $250,000 and are funded through the organization's seed grant program. 

All research begins with an idea. Seed grants promote innovative thinking by providing enough funding for researchers to test their ideas and see if they warrant further investigation. These grants support higher-risk, more innovative work with smaller budgets and shorter timelines, giving researchers the opportunity to explore and prove new ideas, while using donor dollars effectively. 

Recipients of Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s 2025 seed grants are listed below. Check out our video collection on Vimeo to meet them and hear their messages of thanks to our donors who are making this innovative work possible! 

Adèle Coriati, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-Montreal/Université de Montréal

Unlocking Hidden Risks: Using Lipidomic Signatures to Predict Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes

How could this research help? 
CF-related diabetes (CFRD) is a serious complication of cystic fibrosis that can lead to rapid health problems like weight loss and decreased lung function, often before diabetes is even diagnosed. This research, co-funded with Diabetes Canada, explores whether monitoring how the body metabolizes fats can help doctors better identify and potentially treat people with CF who are at greater risk of CFRD.   

Anjali Bhagirath, Dalhousie University

Rare links in a Rare Disease: Exploring the Oral-Lung Axis in Cystic Fibrosis Patients of African Descent

How could this research help? 
Cystic fibrosis is less common in people of African descent, and as a result they are often overlooked in CF research. However, the disease can have more severe consequences for this population. This research represents a first step towards closing the gap in understanding CF in populations of African descent by exploring whether there is a relationship between the severity of their CF and the bacteria in their saliva and lung tissue. 

Geneviève Mailhot, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine/Université de Montréal

Innovative assessment of dietary intake to advance understanding of dietary influence on the gut microbiome, metabolome and clinical outcomes in very young children living with cystic fibrosis. 

How could this research help? 
People with cystic fibrosis follow a diet high in energy and fat for their whole lives. This can often mean a diet high in processed foods, and there are growing concerns about its impact on their health. This research will test a new AI driven tool that accurately tracks what children with cystic fibrosis eat and how their diet affects their gut health and growth.  

Giuseppe Melacini, McMaster University

Enhancing CF Treatment: How Selectively Boosting cAMP Can Improve CFTR Function with Fewer Side Effects 

How could this research help? 
Cystic fibrosis is caused by the malfunction of the CFTR protein, which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. This malfunction can be addressed by adding a phosphate to the CFTR protein, which is one of the ways therapies like Trikafta work – however, they are known to cause negative side effects in about 30% of patients. This research will study a special molecule that can also be used to modify the CFTR protein but currently breaks down too quickly in the body to be effective. Better understanding how this molecule works could help in the design of other life-changing CF therapies that have fewer side effects than those currently available.   

Justin Di Trani, University of Alberta

Exploring the electron transport chain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa towards the development of novel antibiotics for eliminating chronic lung infection. 

How could this research help? 
A type of bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa is what causes the chronic lung infections that are common in people with cystic fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms that cause this bacterium to infect the lungs and stay there are well understood – but not how to stop them. This research will explore novel molecular interventions that could stop the pseudomonas aeruginosa from invading and surviving, potentially leading to new antibiotics to treat chronic lung infections in people with CF. 

The five seed grants were awarded following a competition adjudicated by scientific experts and community reviewers and in line with Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s new research roadmap, Momentum. Projects that address the health concerns of the Canadian cystic fibrosis community and had the highest probability for near-term impact were awarded. 

Each seed grant is $50,000, with funding provided over a one-year period.