PFN1 and cardiovascular disorder: Previous studies have shown that profilin-1 was upregulated in cardiovascular disorders, thus played a crucial role in modulating proliferation and migration of VSMCs.315–317 Researchers have used profilin-1-targeted MR and fluorescence dual-modality contrast agent (PC-IONs) for non-invasive visualization of atherosclerotic plaque development.318 Elastin, an ECM protein, is expressed mainly by fibroblasts and VSMCs.