Loss of the Coronary Artery Disease Risk Gene <em>LMOD1</em> in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Triggers Rapid-Onset Coronary Atherosclerosis

The authors investigate the role of the coronary artery disease risk gene LMOD1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its impact on coronary atherosclerosis. They find that loss of LMOD1 in VSMCs leads to rapid-onset coronary atherosclerosis under atherogenic conditions, highlighting LMOD1's protective role in maintaining coronary artery homeostasis. The study suggests that LMOD1 functions independently of actin nucleation to prevent the development of atherosclerosis.