The goblet-cell derived protein Clca1 (chloride channel regulator, calcium-activated-1, previously termed mClca3 or gob-5, see revised nomenclature S1 Table) has repeatedly been linked to several human respiratory conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as to corresponding mouse models [1–4]. Here, CLCA1 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.