Calcium dysregulation disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis by interfering AMPK/Drp1 pathway to aggravate plaque progression and instability

SERCA2 dysfunction accelerates atherosclerotic plaques formation and increases plaque vulnerability by disrupting the AMPK/Drp1 pathway in aortic SMCs, leading to mitochondrial disorders and impairing SMCs function. Targeting of AMPK or Drp1 pharmacologically may offer promising therapeutic avenues for atherosclerosis, particularly in reducing atherosclerotic plaques vulnerability.