Estrogen (IMAGE) Arizona State University Caption Estrogen (black and red molecule: top of diagram) can exacerbate the effects of cystic fibrosis in women, accounting for a gender gap in disease severity and lethality. The large, multicolored image overlaying the lung is the membrane protein KCNQ1, which acts as a channel for ion flow. A modulator protein KCNE3 (seen in bright red) docks and forms a complex with KCEQ1, causing the ion channel to stay in an open position, allowing the unimpeded flow of ions. The presence of estrogen can disrupt this ion channel, causing a buildup of fluid in epithelial tissue and increasing susceptibility to bacterial infection in CF patients. Credit Wade van Horn Biodesign Institute for Personalized Diagnostics Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.