In fact, alterations in goblet cell numbers and mucin secretion are prominent features of mucosa associated diseases, with increased goblet cell numbers and hypersecretion in conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis [2, 3], and mucin depletion and diminished goblet cell density in intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis [4, 5]. The gene discussed is MUC5AC; the disease is inflammatory bowel disease.