Atherosclerosis was induced in wild type and SPPL2a/b−/− mice via overexpression of a gain-of-function mutant of the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in order to deplete the LDL receptor in combination with a high fat/high cholesterol diet. Here, PCSK9 is linked to atherosclerosis.