Quantitative trait locus mapping in mice identifies phospholipase Pla2g12a as novel atherosclerosis modifier.

•QTL mapping revealed a female-specific atherosclerosis risk locus on mouse Chr3.•Locus fine-mapping identified Vcam1 and Pla2g12a as parallel risk-determining factors.•Pla2g12a is a novel atherosclerosis modifier.•Transcriptional downregulation of the secreted phospholipase Pla2g12a confers risk.•Pla2g12a is atheroprotective by limiting adhesion of macrophages to the endothelium.