Robust Serum Proteomic Signatures of APOE2

Abstract

We previously identified a signature of 16 serum proteins that highlighted a role of the e2 allele of APOE in lipid regulation via apolipoprotein B (APOB) and apolipoprotein E (APOE), and in inflammation. The serum proteins were profiled using the aptamer-based Somalogic technology. Here, we validate and expand the serum protein signature of APOE using a combination of mass-spectrometry, ELISA, Luminex, antibody-based Olink proteomics, and blood transcriptomics. We replicate the association between APOB and the e2 allele of APOE, we correct the pattern of association between APOE genotypes and serum level of APOE, and we detect new associations between APOE genotypes and the complex of apolipoproteins APOC1, APOC4, APOC2, APOC3, APOE, APOF and APOL1. In addition, we discover 13 new proteins that correlate with APOE genotypes. This extended signature includes granule proteins CAMP, CTSG, DEFA3, and MPO secreted from neutrophils and points to olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) as a new target for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.