SELP gene

The SELP gene (SELP stands for: Selectin P) is a protein coding gene located on chromosome 1q24.2. Alternative splice variants may occur but are not well documented.

The SELP gene encodes a 140 kDa protein (P-selectin) stored in the alpha granules of platelets and the Weibel-Palade bodies of endothelial cells. This protein distributes to the plasma membrane during platelet activation and degranulation and mediates the interaction of activated endothelial cells or platelets with leukocytes.

The membrane protein selectin P is a calcium-dependent receptor that binds to sialylated forms of Lewis blood group carbohydrate antigens on neutrophils and monocytes. The receptor mediates the interaction of activated endothelial cells or platelets with leukocytes. Sialyl-Lewis X acts as the ligand. Mediates rapid rolling of leukocytes across vascular surfaces during the initial steps of inflammation through interaction with SELPLG.

1. Burkhardt J et al. (2014) Cellular adhesion gene SELP is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and displays differential allelic expression. PLoS One 9:e103872.
2. Kou L et al. (2017) Interaction between SELP genetic polymorphisms with inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene variants on cardiovascular disease in Chinese Han population. Mamm Genome 28:436-442.