Since EMPs may be involved in COPD pathogenesis, Takahashi and colleagues compared the levels of CD144+ MPs (VE-cadherin EMPs), CD31+/CD41- MPs (PECAM MPs), CD146 MPs (MCAM MPs) and CD62E+ MPs (E-selectin MPs) in stable COPD patients, patients with exacerbated COPD, and healthy non-COPD individuals [299]. The gene discussed is PECAM1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.