Atherosclerosis is a fundamental disease of the cardiovascular system that leads to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The endothelium is the first protective barrier in atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells have the potential to be transformed into mesenchymal cells, in a process termed endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). On the one hand, EndMT is known to contribute to atherosclerosis by inducing a number of phenotypes ranging from endothelial cell dysfunction to plaque formation. On the other hand, risk factors for atherosclerosis can lead to EndMT. A substantial body of evidence has suggested that EndMT induces the development of atherosclerosis; therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying EndMT in atherosclerosis might provide insights to reverse this condition.

动脉粥样硬化是心血管系统的一种基本疾病，在全球范围内导致高发病率和死亡率。内皮是动脉粥样硬化的第一个保护屏障。内皮细胞有可能转化为间充质细胞，这一过程称为内皮细胞间充质转化 (EndMT)。一方面，已知 EndMT 通过诱导从内皮细胞功能障碍到斑块形成的许多表型来促进动脉粥样硬化。另一方面，动脉粥样硬化的危险因素可导致 EndMT。大量证据表明 EndMT 诱导动脉粥样硬化的发展。因此，深入了解动脉粥样硬化中 EndMT 的分子机制可能会为扭转这种情况提供见解。