APOE Alzheimer’s Genetics: rs429358 and rs7412 Explained

APOE Alzheimer’s genetics are shaped by rs429358 and rs7412. Learn how these variants form the E2, E3, and E4 types and how they influence Alzheimer’s disease risk.

APOE Alzheimer’s Genetics: How rs429358 and rs7412 Shape Risk

Your APOE Alzheimer’s genetics are determined by two key SNPs: rs429358 and rs7412. These variants combine to form the APOE types E2, E3, and E4, which strongly influence your lifetime risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease [R, R]:.

You can analyze your APOE pattern instantly at GenesUnveiled.

How APOE Alzheimer’s Genetics Work

The APOE gene has three possible protein forms [R, R]:

• E2

• E3 (most common)

• E4 (associated with higher Alzheimer’s risk)

These three types are determined by the two SNPs:

1. rs429358

• C allele = risk allele

• C at this position is essential for forming APOE-E4

• Genotypes:

  • CC → E4/E4

  • CT → E3/E4

  • TT → E3/E3

    
    

2. rs7412

• The T allele shifts APOE toward the protective E2 form

• Genotypes:

  • TT → E2/E2

  • CT → E2/E3

  • CC → remains in the E3/E4/E4 range depending on rs429358

Together, these SNPs form your APOE “isoform combination.”

What Each APOE Type Means for Alzheimer’s

E2 (Protective)

• Often linked to lower Alzheimer’s risk

• More efficient lipid transport

• Genotypes involving this type: rs7412 T

  
  

E3 (Typical risk)

• Neutral effect

• Most common form

• Genotypes: rs429358 TT with rs7412 CC

  
  

E4 (Higher risk)

• Strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s

• Increases amyloid accumulation and modifies inflammation

• Requires rs429358 C

Risk tiers:

• E3/E4 → moderately increased risk

• E4/E4 → highest genetic risk category

• (But lifestyle, vascular health, and other genes matter greatly.)

How We Calculate Your APOE Alzheimer’s Genetics

GenesUnveiled uses:

• rs429358 and rs7412

• Forward-strand alleles

• Isoform reconstruction (E2/E3/E4)

• Population-adjusted interpretation

This gives a clinically consistent interpretation aligned with research standards.

Analyze your full APOE profile at GenesUnveiled.