In lung tissue samples, pulmonary ACE2 mRNA expression was similar between individuals with and without diabetes, whereas protein levels of ACE2 were significantly higher in both alveolar tissue and bronchial epithelium in individuals with diabetes; these findings were independent of smoking, COPD, BMI, RAASi use, and other potential confounders [82]. The gene discussed is ACE2; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.