APOE

Full Name: Apolipoprotein E

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a 299-amino acid protein that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of lipids. It functions as a ligand for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr), facilitating the transport and clearance of lipoproteins such as chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) from the bloodstream. There are three common isoforms of apoE—apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4—differing by single amino acid substitutions, which affect their receptor binding properties and influence lipid metabolism and disease risk.

Synonyms: Apolipoprotein E; APO-E