Based on GWAS, three genetic loci have been unequivocally associated with COPD susceptibility, located on chromosome 4 near the HHIP gene, on chromosome 4 in the FAM13A gene, and on chromosome 15 in a block of genes which contains several components of the nicotinic acetyl-choline receptor as well as the IREB2 gene. This evidence concerns the gene IREB2 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.