The proteins encoded by CAD-associated genes in brain (e.g. ERBB4 [eQTL rs582384]) functioned within pathways (e.g.“ErbB signaling pathway”) that are activated in CAD, exerting disease mitigation and regenerative effects, and preventing pathological processes (i.e. atherosclerosis) that trigger CAD41. The gene discussed is ERBB4; the disease is atherosclerosis.