What Does the APOE 4 gene Do?

The APOE gene provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E. This protein combines with fats (lipids) in the body to form molecules called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are responsible for packaging cholesterol and other fats and carrying them through the bloodstream.

What is APOE3 and APOE4?

APOE3 is the most common allele and doesn’t seem to influence risk. The APOE4 allele, present in approximately 10-15% of people, increases the risk for Alzheimer’s and lowers the age of onset.

What percentage of Alzheimer’s patients have APOE4?

About 25% of people carry one copy of APOE4, and 2 to 3% carry two copies. APOE4 is the strongest risk factor gene for Alzheimer’s disease, although inheriting APOE4 does not mean a person will definitely develop the disease. The study suggests that dementia may be caused by lipid imbalances in brain cells.

Which apolipoprotein E is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease?

The ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

How do you know if you have APOE4 gene?

The ApoE genetic test for Alzheimer’s will tell you which version of the ApoE gene you have. The test is mailed to you, performed by yourself at home, and then mailed in pre-paid packaging to a laboratory. Results are returned to you in two weeks by electronic mail.

What is the APOE 4 allele?

The age-accelerating APOE4 allele alters the endosomal trafficking of cell surface receptors that mediate lipid and glucose metabolism. The APOE4 allele is the ancestral human allele, joined by APOE3 and then APOE2 in the human species.

What is the function of TREM2?

Normal Function The TREM2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2. As its name suggests, this protein is made in myeloid cells, which are cells produced in bone marrow.

What diet is best for APOE4?

low-fat diet. Her study found that APOE4 non-carriers had improved measures of cognition and reduced inflammation on the low-fat diet when compared to those on the high-fat diet, but that APOE4 carriers counter-intuitively performed better on the high-fat diet than on the low-fat diet.

How do I know if I have the APOE4 gene?

Is ApoE4 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 chromosome is ApoE4 on?

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene on chromosome 19q13. 32, was the first, and remains the strongest, genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additional signals associated with AD have been located in chromosome 19, including ABCA7 (19p13.

Which is more common APOE3 or APOE4?

The APOE gene comes in several different forms, or alleles. APOE3 is the most common and not believed to affect Alzheimer’s risk. APOE2 is relatively rare and may provide some protection against Alzheimer’s disease. The reason APOE4 increases Alzheimer’s risk isn’t not well understood.

What does APOE4 mean for your cognitive health?

Outside the brain, APOE4 can increase the risk of atherosclerosis (i.e., hardening of the arteries) and stroke [4], which may explain why APOE4 is a risk factor for vascular causes of cognitive impairment and dementia [6][7].

What happens if you have two copies of the apoE4 gene?

Those with two copies of the APOE4 allele are at even greater risk ( 3 ). Having the APOE4 allele does not mean a person will definitely develop Alzheimer’s – it just increases the likelihood. Summary: The APOE gene produces the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) protein, important for brain function.

Are there any side effects of hormone replacement therapy for ApoE4?

Estrogen: Several studies suggest that the side effects of estrogen-containing hormone replacement therapy may be worse in people who carry the APOE4 allele, at least in terms of brain aging and dementia risk. However, the evidence is inconsistent.