mRNA expression of SPDEF, MUC5AC, MUC1, MUC20, MUC4, MUC13, MUC2, MUC16 and SCNN1A was higher, whereas expression of SCNN1G was lower in COPD and current smokers compared to ex and never‐smokers (Figure 2E, Table S3 in the Supporting Information). Here, SCNN1A is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.