Correction of Nonsense Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis

The presence of a nonsense mutation leads to the rapid degradation of the carrier mRNA mutation by a mechanism called NMD (nonsense-mediated mRNA decay) \[6, 13\]. There are currently 3 main strategies at least for correcting nonsense mutations: exon skipping, inhibition of NMD and nonsense mutation readthrough. In the laboratory, we developed a strategy for correcting nonsense mutations combining inhibition of NMD and activation of translecture. For this purpose, we have constructed screening systems to identify NMD-inhibiting and/or readthrough enhancers. The molecules thus identified are then tested on cell lines and in murine models carrying a nonsense mutation. One of our goals is to select a set of molecules that can correct effectively nonsense mutations. For this we have to test these molecules on a great diversity of nonsense mutations. This work will: * determine if we can