Population-based Analysis of CETP Identifies Association between I405V and Cognitive Decline: The Cache County Study

Authors

Caitlin Munger, Brigham Young University
Dr. John Kauwe, Brigham Young University

Keywords

CETP, LOAD, late-onset Alzheimer's Disease, cognitive decline

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease and is the sixth leading cause of death in the US. There are currently no successful therapies to prevent or treat LOAD, and predicting disease status remains a challenge1. Apolipoprotein E (APOE)—a gene involved in cholesterol regulation—is the strongest genetic predictor for LOAD. Because of the association between APOE and LOAD, cholesterol levels were suspected and have since been shown to increase LOAD risk2. Similar to APOE, the Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) gene facilitates cholesteryl ester and triglyceride exchange between lipoproteins3 and is found in the same pathway as APOE, making CETP a gene of interest in LOAD etiology.

Recommended Citation

Munger, Caitlin and Kauwe, Dr. John (2014) "Population-based Analysis of CETP Identifies Association between I405V and Cognitive Decline: The Cache County Study," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 716.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/716