Mutations within key telomeric genes, including TERT, TERC, DKC1 (dyskerin), RTEL1, PARN, and TINF2 (TIN2) have been implicated in IPF, a chronic disease affecting the lungs (Stuart et al., 2015; Hoffman et al., 2016). The gene discussed is DKC1; the disease is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.