Neurosurgery
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Many studies have explored molecular markers of carotid plaque development and vulnerability to rupture, usually having examined whole carotid plaques. However, there are regional differences in plaque morphology and known shear-related mechanisms in areas surrounding the lipid core. ⋯ The results demonstrate regional differences in protein expression for the first time and show that focus on the rupture-prone postbifurcation region leads to prioritization for further study of novel miRNA gene regulation mechanisms.