Apolipoprotein E
Domain : Pathophysiology
Category : Learn more
Simplified definition
A protein whose role is to carry lipids (fats), such as cholesterol, to the neurons to feed them.
Source: Houria Aiouaz, for Alzheimer Foundation
Referenced definition
“Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a glycoprotein involved in cholesterol homeostasis and lipid metabolism, that is produced mainly by hepatocytes and astrocytes, and is found in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid.”
Source: Lumsden AL, Mulugeta A, Zhou A, Hypponen E. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype-associated disease risks: a phenome-wide, registry-based, case-control study utilising the UK Biobank. EBioMedicine. 2020;59.
Context
“APOE polymorphic alleles are the main genetic determinants of Alzheimer disease (AD) risk: individuals carrying the ε4 allele are at increased risk of AD compared with those carrying the more common ε3 allele, whereas the ε2 allele decreases risk.”
Source: Nat Rev Neurol. 2013 Feb; 9(2): 106–118.
Note
- Apolipoprotein E is produced by a gene located on chromosome 19.
- The ε4 variant of the gene coding for apolipoprotein E is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Synonym(s)
APOEGO FURTHER
