UNLABELLED: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies identified a novel subpopulation of epithelial cells along the rostrocaudal axis of human intestine specifically marked by bestrophin 4 (BEST4) that are enriched for genes regulating pH, GPCR acid-sensing receptors, satiety, cGMP signaling, HCO3 NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This is the first study to identify CFTR High Expresser cells in the rat small intestine as neuropod cells capable of sensing and responding to luminal pH. This study also provides the first characterization of CFTR and relevant mRNA and proteins in CHEs in CF rat models that provide insights into the significance of CHEs to CF intestinal disease.