The invention provides polynucleotide fragments corresponding to the genomic and/or coding regions of these genes which comprise at least one polymorphic site per fragment. Allele-specific primers and probes that hybridize to these regions, and/or that comprise at least one polymorphic site are also provided. The polynucleotides, primers, and probes of the present invention are useful in phenotype correlations, paternity testing, medicine, and genetic analysis. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders, particularly cardiovascular diseases related to these polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.