A strong staining for p62/SQSTM1 was detected in IPF tissue within epithelial cells of thickened alveoli septae where collagen deposition in the interstitium was demonstrated (Fig. 1b; Supplementary Fig. S1a), as well as within fibroblastic foci (Fig. 1a). This evidence concerns the gene SQSTM1 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.