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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction (PPI) Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: November 14, 2017
The complex interaction between APOE promoter and AD: an Italian case-control study
Alessandra Bizzarro1, Davide Seripa, Adele Acciarri
1Institute of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy. alessandrabizzarro@libero.it
This study identifies specific APOE gene promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), independent of APOE e4 status. Findings confirm rs449647 A/A genotype as an AD risk factor in Italy.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOE gene promoter, specifically rs449647, rs769446, and rs405509, have been implicated as potential Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors.
- Previous research indicated a significant association between the rs449647 SNP and late-onset AD in an Italian cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the role of APOE promoter SNPs (rs449647, rs769446, rs405509) as independent genetic risk factors for AD.
- To investigate potential interactions between these APOE promoter SNPs and the common APOE polymorphism (epsilon 4 status).
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of APOE promoter SNPs (rs449647, rs769446, rs405509) in 169 AD patients and 99 controls.
- Statistical analysis to assess associations with AD, controlling for sex, age, and APOE epsilon 4 status.
- Haplotype frequency estimation at the APOE locus.
Main Results:
- The rs449647 A/A and rs405509 G/G genotypes were significantly associated with increased AD risk.
- The rs449647 A/T and rs405509 T/T genotypes showed a negative association with AD.
- Specific APOE haplotypes (ATG4, ATT4, ACG3) were linked to increased AD risk, while others (ATT2, ATT3, TCG3) were associated with reduced risk.
Conclusions:
- The rs449647 A/A genotype is confirmed as a genetic risk factor for AD in the Italian population.
- APOE promoter genotypes and APOE haplotypes appear to play a complex role in the genetic predisposition to AD.
- These findings contribute to understanding the genetic architecture of Alzheimer's disease beyond the APOE epsilon 4 allele.
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