Several studies support the notion that adhesion molecules (e.g., P- and E-selectins, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)) play a role in the development of atherosclerosis; indeed, these molecules are expressed by endothelial cells lining atherosclerotic arteries in both humans and animals20, 21, 22. Here, VCAM1 is linked to atherosclerosis.