The Importance of Apolipoprotein E Genetic Testing in the Era of Amyloid Lowering Therapies
Year: 2024
Type: editorial
Abstract: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein expressed both peripherally and in the CNS, which facilitates the transfer of lipids between cells.1 While the exact mechanism of APOE variability in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology is still not fully elucidated, certain alleles seem to offer protective effects (APOE ε2) while others portend a higher risk of disease along with earlier onset (APOE ε4). A single APOE ε4 allele increases the chance of AD by 2 to 4-fold while homozygotes have an 8 to 12-fold increased risk. In addition, those with a single APOE ε4 allele have a mean age of onset of disease at 76 years while it drops to 68 years in homozygotes, as compared with 84 years among non-carriers.2 Because not all individuals with 2 copies of the ε4 allele go on to develop AD at a young age, routine testing for APOE alleles has not been clinically recommended.
Source: Neurology Clinical Practice
Authors: Stephen Ronay, Jack W. Tsao
Institutions: NYU Langone Health, New York University
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4390629303