We generated a transgenic mouse model expressing an EGFP-ribosomal protein L10a fusion protein (EGFP-L10a)18 under the control of the SMC actin (αSMA; Acta2 gene) promoter36,37 and crossed it with Lldr−/−, ApoB100/100 (Athero) mice21,38 (Figure 1A) to investigate SMC-specific gene expression changes during atherosclerosis. The gene discussed is ACTA1; the disease is atherosclerosis.