However, several risk factors can contribute to the alteration of this protective function, leading to endothelial dysfunction, which stimulates the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and P-selectin on the endothelial surface. The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is endothelial dysfunction.