Importantly, telomere shortening and mutations in genes that control telomere function such as Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) and Telomerase RNA Component (TERC) are associated with familial and sporadic cases of IPF and this may be considered in transplant decision‐making.86, 87, 88, 89. This evidence concerns the gene TERT and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.