The in situ human gene expression data demonstrate that ABC transporters are i) variably expressed in epithelial cells from different airway generations (top three expression levels - ABCA5, ABCA13, and ABCC5, ii) regulated by cigarette smoke exposure (ABCA13, ABCB6, ABCC1, and ABCC3), and iii) differentially expressed in individuals with COPD and asthma (ABCA13, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC9). This evidence concerns the gene ABCA5 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.