SELPLG gene polymorphisms in relation to plasma SELPLG levels and coronary artery disease

P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (SELPLG, selectin P ligand) constitute a receptor/ligand complex that is likely to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. While the genetic variability of P-selectin has already been investigated in depth, that of the SELPLG gene has not yet been extensively explored. The coding and regulatory sequences of the SELPLG were screened and nine polymorphisms were identified. The identified polymorphisms were genotyped in the AtheroGene study, a case-control study of coronary artery disease (CAD). Haplotype analysis revealed that two polymorphisms of SELPLG, the M62I and the VNTR, independently influenced plasma SELPLG levels. Conversely, haplotypes of SELPLG were not associated with CAD risk.