Consistent with these observations, bronchial sections of COPD patients show increased MUC5AC staining in the submucosal glands and epithelial surface compared to healthy controls [38]; moreover, the chronic mucus hypersecretion seen in COPD is associated with increased airflow limitation (FEV1) and risk of hospitalization [39]. The gene discussed is MUC5AC; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.