Atherosclerosis is the result of a buildup of lipids in the inner walls of blood vessels, and is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. In a new study, researchers from the University of Tsukuba discovered a novel role for cAMP responsive element-binding protein 3 like 3 (CREB3L3) in the development of atherosclerosis and identified a mechanism by which it exhibits protective effects against atherosclerosis.