Insight into the cause of death in these animals was gained by further comparison between atherosclerosis-prone progeroid mice (Apoe-/-LmnaG609G/G609G and Apoe-/-LmnaLCS/LCSSM22αCre) and atheroresistant progeroid mice with an intact Apoe gene (LmnaG609G/G609G and LmnaLCS/LCSSM22αCre). The gene discussed is APOE; the disease is atherosclerosis.