Gene expression results showed that NHBE cells isolated from COPD subjects had enhanced XBP1 mRNA splicing compared to cells from nonsmokers and smokers (Figure 2(b)), demonstrating active XBP1 signaling; Protein analysis also confirmed increased expression of XBP1 in cells isolated from COPD donors (Figure 2(b)). The gene discussed is XBP1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.