Figure 1Figure 1
The mediating role of the apolipoprotein E gene in neurodegenerative and vascular disorders. The image illustrates the key role of the apolipoprotein E gene ( APOE ), particularly the ε4 variant, in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and protein aggregation. The interactions between microglia, astrocytes, and neurons highlight how APOE ε4 may amplify inflammation and promote the accumulation of toxic proteins, contributing to the progression of various diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (represented by brain atrophy), Parkinson’s disease (loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra), frontotemporal dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neuron degeneration). Created with BioRender.com.