Scientists find genetic link to clogged arteries (IMAGE)
Caption
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified a gene -- called SVEP1 -- that makes a protein that influences the risk of coronary artery disease independent of cholesterol. SVEP1 induces proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the development of atherosclerosis. Shown is a stained section of atherosclerotic plaque from a mouse aorta, the largest artery in the body. Vascular smooth muscle cells are red; proliferating cells are cyan; nuclei of any cell are blue.
Credit
In-Hyuk Jung, PhD, Stitziel Lab
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