With the identification of macrophage MKP-1 as an early sensor of metabolic stress and a master regulator of macrophage autophagy, apoptosis, and polarization, and loss of MKP-1 activity as a key mechanism for macrophage dysfunction induced by metabolic stress, both in vitro and in vivo, we may also have identified a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. This evidence concerns the gene DUSP1 and atherosclerosis.