Our analysis showed that proteases such as neutrophil elastase (NE), proteinase 3 (PRTN3), and cathepsin G (CTSG), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 8 and 9, were significantly more abundant in CF sputum and only increased to a lesser extent in COPD. The gene discussed is PRTN3; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.