Atherosclerosis Is a Smooth Muscle Cell–Driven Tumor-Like Disease

Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, involves the pathological activation of various cell types, including immunocytes (eg, macrophages and T cells), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and endothelial cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that transition of SMCs to other cell types, known as phenotypic switching, plays a central role in atherosclerosis development and complications. However, the characteristics of SMC-derived cells and the underlying mechanisms of SMC transition in disease pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Our objective is to characterize tumor cell-like behaviors of SMC-derived cells in atherosclerosis, with the ultimate goal of developing interventions targeting SMC transition for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.