Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling play a role in COPD pathogenesis (both in small airways disease and in emphysema), and there are some evidences that an excessive ECM turnover is present in COPD, with increasing circulating levels of ECM components (i.e.,: collagen fibers, elastin fragments) mostly during acute exacerbations [18]. The gene discussed is ELN; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.