Moreover, they found a higher bronchial expression of VEGF, bFGF, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in COPD patients, as compared to controls, and provided the evidence that the vascular component of airway remodelling was positively related to the bronchial expression of VEGF and TGF-β. The gene discussed is FGF2; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.