The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E. This protein combines with fats in the body to form molecules called lipoproteins, which are responsible for packaging cholesterol and other fats and carrying them through the bloodstream. The APOE gene is located on chromosome 19 and exists in three major alleles: ε2, ε3, and ε4.
