Apolipoprotein E （apo E）

The apolipoproteins are family of amphipathic lipoproteins that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism. In particular, apolipoprotein E （apo E） is a major component of high density lipoproteins （HDL） chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein （VLDL）, which functions to remove excess cholesterol. Apo E mediates lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis by binding to several hepatic lipoprotein receptors, such as low density lipoprotein receptor （LDLR） and the LDLR-related protein （1）. Apo E deficiency is linked to hyperlipoproteinemia type III; a genetic disorder characterized by elevated plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels and accelerated coronary artery disease （2）. Three major isoforms of Apo E （E2, E3, E4） has been identified, with E3 being the most common in human. E4 presence has been associated to increase probability of developing late-onset form of Alzheimer disease （3）.

WB, IHC, ICC, IP