Apoprotein E as a lipid transport and signaling protein in the blood, liver and artery wall

Godfrey S. Getz and Catherine A. Reardon

Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637

Corresponding Author: getz{at}bsd.uchicago.edu

Apoprotein E (apoE) is synthesized by a number of tissues including the liver, brain, adipose tissue, and artery wall. The majority of apoE is found in the plasma associated with specific lipoprotein subclasses and is derived primarily from the liver. However the fact that apoE expression is sustained in non-hepatic tissues suggests that the local production must have some unique functional attribute. ApoE is involved in many steps in lipid and lipoprotein homeostasis, both for the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and HDL. ApoE is also important for lipid homeostasis in the brain, artery wall and adipose tissue through its synthesis by glial cells, adipocytes and macrophages. In addition, non-lipid related functions have also been attributed to apoE, including effects on immune response and inflammation, oxidation and smooth muscle proliferation and migration. Some of these effects have been shown to be dependent upon different domains of the protein, different concentrations and lipidation state. Thus, this multi-functional protein impacts normal and pathophysiology at multiple levels.

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