Scientists Identify Genesthat Could Reduce Apoe4 Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

An international team of researchers led by Michael E. Belloy, Ph.D., an assistant professor of neurology and psychiatry at WashU Medicine, identified key genetic targets for developing potential Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. Targeting specific genes in individuals would allow for more personalized approaches to Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment.

Scientists identify genes that could reduce APOE4 Alzheimer's disease risk. Louis edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Chief Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Belloy, Ph.D., an assistant professor of neurology and psychiatry at WashU Medicine, identified key genetic targets for developing potential Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.

Their findings were published in Alzheimer's & Dementia. APOE4, a variant of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, accounts for roughly 50% of Alzheimer's disease cases in older adults. Individuals with one or two copies of the APOE4 variant have anywhere from a four- to 12-fold greater chance of developing Alzheimer's compared with those without any copies of APOE4.

But not everyone who carries the APOE4 variant develops the disease.

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