To correlate loss of PTEN expression to loss of αSMA expression (as a conventional marker of differentiated SMCs) and severity of atherosclerosis, human coronary arteries were grouped based on histology into 3 categories from less disease involvement to severe disease involvement: NAH, AH (intima > 200 μm), and CP that are described in Methods and similar to 3 major classifications of coronary artery lesions previously described (Figure 2A). Here, PTEN is linked to atherosclerosis.