In the GWAS results of COPD and severe COPD affection status in COPDGene [25], there was a significant association with affection status and SNPs in the 15q25 region [CHRNA3, CHRNA5, CHRNB4, AGPHD1, and IREB2], HHIP on chromosome 4, FAM13A on chromosome 4, TGFB2 on chromosome 1, MMP3/ MMP12 on chromosome 11, and RIN3 on chromosome 14. Here, MMP12 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.