Rapid Identification of Apolipoprotein E Genotypes by Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR and Capillary Gel Electrophoresis

Abstract

Apolipoprotein E(Apo E) genotyping on its own is neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific enough for use as a predictive diagnostic test for Alzheimer disease (AD) ( 1). Nevertheless, it is still of diagnostic value in the classification of type III hyperlipidemia ( 2). Furthermore, there exists a great research need and interest for Apo E genotyping in conjunction with other data relating to genetic polymorphisms. Several independent studies have now established that the inheritance of one or more Apo ε4 alleles increases an individual’s risk of developing atherosclerosis and AD ( 3)( 4). Conversely, the inheritance of one or more ε2 alleles confers protection against AD ( 5) and is associated with lower lipid concentrations ( 6). Thus, a rapid and simple genotyping test is needed for any laboratory that takes part in clinical research related to Apo E.