One study that took advantage of this cellular internalisation utilised a VCAM-1 targeted USPIO (VINP-1) which accumulated in vivo at sites of plaque formation in hyperlipidaemic apolipoprotein-E (apoE)−/− mice, where it was predominately associated with VCAM-1 expressing endothelial cells and macrophages, allowing detection of early-stage atherosclerosis in young animals [52]. The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is atherosclerosis.