The role of IREB2 and transforming growth factor beta-1 genetic variants in COPD: a replication case-control study.

Background: Genetic factors are known to contribute to COPD susceptibility and these factors are not fully understood. Conflicting results have been reported for many genetic studies of candidate genes based on their role in the disease. Genome-wide association studies in combination with expression profiling have identified a number of new candidates including IREB2.