Definition
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a polymorphic plasma glycoprotein that transports cholesterol and other lipids and has been shown to be involved in the growth and repair of neurons. There is also some evidence to suggest that ApoE is involved in lipid redistribution after demyelination. The ApoE protein is mapped to chromosome 19 and is polymorphic with three major isoforms, each of which translates into three alleles of the gene: ApoE-2, ApoE-3, and ApoE-4. ApoE-2 is associated with the genetic disorder type III hyperlipoproteinemia. There is also some evidence that this allele may serve as a protective role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ApoE-3 is found in approximately 64% of the population and is considered as the “neutral” ApoE genotype. ApoE-4 has been implicated in atherosclerosis and AD and impaired cognitive functioning. More specifically, ApoE-4 has been shown to be a major risk factor for development of AD and has been associated with subtle...
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Plomin, R., Defries, J. C., Craig, I. W., & McGuffin, P. (2003). Behavioral genetics in the postgenomic era. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
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DeLuca, J. (2018). Apolipoprotein E. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1772
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1772
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