Indeed, numerous studies have shown altered mucin expression in chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases and cancer, both in animal models and patient cohorts (Heazlewood et al., 2008; Ho et al., 2006, 1993; Larsson et al., 2011; Longman et al., 2006; Moehle et al., 2006; Reis et al., 1999). The gene discussed is MUC5AC; the disease is cancer.