Recombinant Human ApoE4

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) produced by the liver and circulating macrophages, that is a constituent of every plasma lipoprotein except the smallest low density lipoproteins (LDL). It is a key player in the recycling and redistribution of lipids and cholesterol. ApoE is a ligand with a high affinity for low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). It regulates the activity of enzymes that metabolize lipids and also makes lipids soluble. Mice and humans that lack ApoE cannot remove excess lipoproteins from the plasma and have an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Defective binding of ApoE to its receptors will lead to accumulation of cholesterol-rich lipoprotein particles in the plasma; this is the cause of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. There are three main isoforms of ApoE all products of alleles at a single gene locus: E2 (Cys112, Cys158), E3 (C112, Arg158), and E4 (Arg112, Arg158). Inheritance of ApoE4 has been associated with earlier onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and increased likelihood of dementia.