We identified two additional SNPs in the AQP5 gene significantly associated with rate of lung function decline, including a SNP in intron 3 (rs3736309), where carriers of the G allele had a lower prevalence of COPD in a Chinese population.[9] Our results confirm that the G allele may confer some protection from COPD as the G allele in rs3736309 was associated with a significant attenuation in lung function decline among smokers. The gene discussed is AQP5; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.