Although it is known that TTP negatively regulates TNF-α mRNA stability [27;36;45–48] and TNF-α is persistently upregulated and contributes to COPD pathogenesis [8;15;16], the effects of tobacco smoke exposure on TTP expression and TTP’s ability to regulate TNF-α expression in the context of cigarette smoke exposure are unknown. This evidence concerns the gene ZFP36 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.