🛡️ Beyond Cholesterol: GIMAP6, Vascular Defense & Atherosclerosis

🧬 Can atherosclerosis become lethal even without high cholesterol?

A fascinating Cell study identifies GIMAP6 as an immune–vascular safeguard. Loss of GIMAP6 disrupts endothelial integrity and activates a mitoROS → PPARγ → CD36 pathway, driving macrophage lipid uptake, foam cells, inflammation, atherosclerosis, MI and heart failure—even without hyperlipidemia. ❤️

Human hypomorphic GIMAP6 variants also tracked with premature cardiovascular disease.

💡 Take-home: LDL matters enormously—but susceptibility within the vessel wall matters too.