If results show that atherosclerotic lesion size and lipid content does not change from VSMC ABCG1 deficiency in vivo, then VSMC SR-BI expression/function should be assessed to deduce whether SR-BI induction in VSMC arising from VSMC ABCG1 deletion confers protection against atherosclerosis progression by preserving VSMC/MLC HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux. The gene discussed is SCARB1; the disease is atherosclerosis.