What is the APOE 4 allele?

APOE ε4 is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (a) The ApoE2, E3, and E4 isoforms, which are encoded by the ε2, ε3 and ε4 alleles of the APOE gene, respectively, differ from one another at amino acid residues 112 and/or 158 (red circles).

Is APOE dominant or recessive?

To date, only dominant genes have been linked with Alzheimer’s disease. The epsilon 4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene, or APOE-4, accounts for nearly all of the currently identified genetic risk associated with the most common form of Alzheimer’s.

What is APOE test?

What is being tested? Apolipoprotein (Apo) E is produced under the direction of the APOE gene and is one of five main types of blood lipoproteins (A-E). This test evaluates a person’s DNA to determine what combination of APOE forms (genotype) is present.

What are the three genotypes of the APOE gene?

There are three common isoforms of the APOE (E2, E3 and E4) and, because humans have two copies of each gene, these three isoforms code for six genotypes (E2/E2, E2/E3, E2/E4, E3/E3, E3/E4, and E4/E4). Your APOE genotype determines how your body metabolizes cholesterol.

What happens if you have APOE e4 genotyping?

APOE e4 (as e4/e4 and e4/e3) is found in nearly a quarter of the population and is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. People with these genotypes could be predisposed to a significantly elevated level of LDL-C (“bad cholesterol”) and triglycerides when their diet is high in saturated fat.

Is there a link between APOE E3 and cardiovascular disease?

APOE e3 is associated with “normal” lipid metabolism, thus may not have any genetic impact on risk of developing cardiovascular disease. APOE e4 (genotype e4/e4 or e4/e3) is found in nearly a quarter of the population and is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

What are the effects of APOE E2 allele?

People with the APOE e2 allele tend to have lower LDL-C levels but elevated triglycerides.