In the early stages of atherogenesis, two α actinins associated with periodontitis, namely ACTN-1 and -2, can bind to intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) providing a “firm foothold” for leukocytes undergoing migration between endothelial cells into the intima layer of the artery and the underlying inflammatory lesion [65]. The gene discussed is ICAM1; the disease is periodontitis.