This gene encodes a transcription factor that has been found to be protective against atherosclerosis (Doran et al., 2010; Owens et al., 2010); a common loss-of-function SNP in the human ID3 gene has been linked increased carotid intima-media thickness (Doran et al., 2010), an intermediate trait associated with a variety of cardiovascular outcomes (Lorenz et al., 2006). Here, ID3 is linked to atherosclerosis.