The ECM matricellular protein ‘Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine’ (SPARC) is localised to IPF fibroblastic foci,111 is overexpressed in IPF HLF-derived ECM,110 disrupts epithelial barrier integrity112 and modulates migration of AT2 cells112 and KRT5+ basal cells in vitro.110. The gene discussed is SPARC; the disease is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.