ELAVL1 and atherosclerosis: In this study, we have identified and characterized the lncRNA Macrophage-Associated Atherosclerosis lncRNA Sequence (MAARS) as an essential regulator of macrophage apoptosis, efferocytosis, and plaque necrosis in atherosclerosis of LDLR−/− mice by direct interaction with the RNA-binding protein HuR, a key mediator of cellular apoptosis.