Since VSMC phenotypic modulation and dysfunctions are the fundamental causes for many cardiovascular pathological conditions including post-angioplasty restenosis, atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis, peripheral arterial diseases, hypertension, and stroke, local and systemic modulation of this newly identified signal axis (SNHG18/miR-22-3p) could represent as a novel therapy for these diseases. The gene discussed is SNHG18; the disease is atherosclerosis.