Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer disease

Neurology. 2006 Jan 24;66(2 Suppl 1):S79-85. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000192102.41141.9e.

Abstract

Apolipoprotein (apo) E, a multifunctional protein with central roles in lipid metabolism and neurobiology, has three common isoforms (apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4) with different effects on lipid homeostasis and neurobiology. Unlike apoE3, the most common isoform, apoE4, is associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Although the mechanisms underlying apoE4's action in AD pathogenesis are still poorly understood, emerging data strongly suggest that apoE4 contributes to this disease by interacting with different factors through various pathways. Thus, multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms should be considered when anti-AD drugs are developed based on apoE studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alleles
  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics*
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / prevention & control
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E / chemistry
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Apolipoproteins E / physiology*
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Drug Design
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / genetics
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Nootropic Agents / pharmacology
  • Nootropic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • tau Proteins

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E
  • MAPT protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Nootropic Agents
  • tau Proteins