APOB

protein-coding

apolipoprotein B, the group of Apolipoproteins

Gene summary

This gene product is the main apolipoprotein of chylomicrons and low density lipoproteins (LDL), and is the ligand for the LDL receptor. It occurs in plasma as two main isoforms, apoB-48 and apoB-100: the former is synthesized exclusively in the gut and the latter in the liver. The intestinal and the hepatic forms of apoB are encoded by a single gene from a single, very long mRNA. The two isoforms share a common N-terminal sequence. The shorter apoB-48 protein is produced after RNA editing of the apoB-100 transcript at residue 2180 (CAA->UAA), resulting in the creation of a stop codon, and early translation termination. Mutations in this gene or its regulatory region cause hypobetalipoproteinemia, normotriglyceridemic hypobetalipoproteinemia, and hypercholesterolemia due to ligand-defective apoB, diseases affecting plasma cholesterol and apoB levels. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2019]

MANE transcript

NM_000384.3

Inheritance

AR, SD, AD

ClinVar variants

P:262U:2049B:2520

Top phenotype

Hypercholesterolemia, familial, 2; Hypobetalipoproteinemia, familial 1

gnomAD constraint

pLI —, LoF o/e 0.37

Max pathogenic AF

—

Genomic locus

chr2:21,001,429-21,044,073

External References & Databases

Transcript & Mutation Effects

hg38 • Region Span ~42.6 kb
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GenCC Phenotypes & Disease Associations

Curated gene-disease validity assertions and inheritance patterns

homozygous familial hypercholesterolemiaSUPPORTIVE

Inheritance Pattern: AR

Disease ID:MONDO:0018328

Submitter: Orphanet

familial hypobetalipoproteinemia 1STRONG

Inheritance Pattern: AR

Disease ID:MONDO:0014252

Submitter: Genomics England PanelApp

familial hypobetalipoproteinemia 1DEFINITIVE

Inheritance Pattern: SD

Disease ID:MONDO:0014252

Submitter: ClinGen

The relationship between APOB and familial hypobetalipoproteinemia was assessed using the ClinGen gene-disease clinical validity framework, as of February 5, 2020. Variants in APOB were first reported in relation to familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) in 1988 (Young et al, PMID 3399894; Collins et al, PMID 2843815). FHBL is characterized by plasma LDL-cholesterol that are <5th percentile. The condition is inherited in a semi-dominant (co-dominant) manner and is typically caused by variants in APOB that result in the production of truncated forms of apoB100, a structural component of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL). Heterozygotes are usually asymptomatic but may develop hepatic steatosis. Homozygotes have extremely low LDL-cholesterol levels and may have symptoms varying from none to severe neurological and gastrointestinal dysfunction (For reviews, see PMIDs 1977530, 8527219, 12639976, 15308601, 15818469, 24751931). Over 60 unique variants in APOB in individuals with hypobetalipoproteinemia have been reported (PMID 22588666). The majority are nonsense and frameshift variants resulting in truncated forms of apoB. However, missense and small inframe deletions have also been reported (Burnett et al, 2003 PMID 12551903; Magnolo et al, 2016, PMID 26825690). Eleven unique variants in this gene were curated from six publications in 8 monoallelic and 2 biallelic probands (Collins et al, 1988, PMID 2843815; Farese et al, 1992, PMID 1527480; Huang et al, 1992, PMID 1770316; Burnett et al, 2003 PMID 12551903; Magnolo et al, 2016, PMID 26825690; Rimbert et al, 2016, PMID 27179706). Segregation evidence from two large families was also curated (Farese et al, 1992, PMID 1527480; Burnett et al, 2003 PMID 12551903). More evidence is available in the literature, but the maximum score for genetic evidence (12 points) has been reached. This gene-disease relationship is supported by the well characterized function of apoB (reviewed in Whitefield et al, 2004, PMID 15308601), expression of the gene in liver (https://gtexportal.org/home/gene/APOB), functional alteration experiments (Srivastava et al, 1999, PMID 10224159), and animal models (Kim et al, 1998, PMID 9502790; Chen et al, 2004, PMID 13130124). Additional experimental evidence to support the gene-disease relationship is available in the literature but the maximum experimental evidence score (6 points) has been reached. Of note, this gene has also been implicated in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH); the clinical validity of APOB-FH has been assessed separately by ClinGen. In summary, APOB is definitively associated with FHBL. This has been repeatedly demonstrated in both the research and clinical diagnostic settings, and has been upheld over time. This classification was approved by the ClinGen General Gene Curation Expert Panel. LUMPING AND SPLITTING CONSIDERATIONS: In OMIM, APOB is associated with two disease entities – Hypercholesterolemia, familial, 2 (MIM# 144010) and hypobetalipoproteinemia (MIM# 615558). Per the criteria outlined by the ClinGen Lumping and Splitting Working Group, there are differences in the molecular mechanism and phenotypic presentation for these conditions. Missense variants in the LDL-receptor binding domain of apoB impair binding of LDL to the LDL receptor, causing hypercholesterolemia and premature coronary artery disease, the primary features of FH. In contrast, variants resulting in reduced secretion of APOB (mainly nonsense and frameshift variants) cause familial hypobetalipoproteinemia, which is characterized by hypocholesterolemia and resistance to atherosclerosis. Therefore, these two disease entities have been curated separately for their relationship with APOB.

hypercholesterolemia, autosomal dominant, type BSTRONG

Inheritance Pattern: AD

Disease ID:MONDO:0007751

Submitter: Genomics England PanelApp

hypercholesterolemia, autosomal dominant, type BDEFINITIVE

Inheritance Pattern: AD

Disease ID:MONDO:0007751

Submitter: ClinGen

The APOB gene has been reported in association with hypercholesterolemia (autosomal dominant) and hypobetalipoproteinemia (autosomal recessive). The relationship between APOB and hypercholesterolemia (autosomal dominant) was evaluated using the ClinGen Clinical Validity Framework. Variants in APOB were first reported in humans with hypercholesterolemia as early as 1989 (Soria et al., PMID: 2563166). At least 7 variants (missense) in at least 13 probands in 6 publications been reported in humans (PMIDs: 24498611, 24234650, 15135245, 22408029, 2563166, 7627691). Variants in this gene segregated with disease in at least 41 family members. This gene-disease relationship has been studied in at least 1 case-control study at the single variant level with an odds ratio of 78 (95% CI 16-388, p=0.0001) (PMID: 9603795). The mechanism for disease involves mainly heterozygous missense variants resulting in defective apo B100 on LDL particles that fails to bind to LDLR (PMID: 29219151). The gene-disease association is also supported by in vitro studies and animal models. In summary, APOB is definitively associated with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia. This has been repeatedly demonstrated in both the research and clinical diagnostic settings, and has been upheld over time. This classification was approved by the ClinGen General Gene Curation EP on 11/14/2018.

hypercholesterolemia, autosomal dominant, type BSTRONG

Inheritance Pattern: AD

Disease ID:MONDO:0007751

Submitter: Labcorp Genetics (formerly Invitae)

familial hypobetalipoproteinemia 1STRONG

Inheritance Pattern: AR

Disease ID:MONDO:0014252

Submitter: Labcorp Genetics (formerly Invitae)

hypercholesterolemia, autosomal dominant, type BDEFINITIVE

Inheritance Pattern: AD

Disease ID:MONDO:0007751

Submitter: G2P

familial hypobetalipoproteinemia 1STRONG

Inheritance Pattern: AD

Disease ID:MONDO:0014252

Submitter: Labcorp Genetics (formerly Invitae)

hypercholesterolemia, autosomal dominant, type BDEFINITIVE

Inheritance Pattern: AD

Disease ID:MONDO:0007751

Submitter: Ambry Genetics

Clinical Genomic Database (CGD)

Hypercholesterolemia, familial, 2; Hypobetalipoproteinemia, familial 1AD/AR

Manifestation: Cardiovascular; Gastrointestinal; Hematologic; Neurologic; Ophthalmologic

Intervention: Cardiovascular; Gastrointestinal

Rationale: Some variants may be associated with familial hypercholesterolemia, and dietary/lifestyle/medical measures (eg, with statins) may be beneficial to reduce the risk of sequelae including coronary artery disease, with evidence that early diagnosis and management improves outcomes; In hypobetalipoproteinemia, dietary measures (eg, with a low fat diet and supplementation of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins) can be beneficial, and early initiation can prevent/decrease severe sequelae; In Hypercholesterolemia, familial, 2, medical management (with inclisiran, a small interfering RNA), has shown evidence of benefit related to parameters such as LDL levels

Comments: Variants in multiple related genes (eg, LDLR) may have additive effects

Refs: 221546; 7229035; 3771801; 3680528; 3473077; 3584472; 2843815; 2903181; 3399894; 2567736; 2574033; 2563166; 3477815; 2614276; 2725600; 2280177; 2164382; 2310429; 2312735; 1939657; 2022744; 1360085; 1562615; 1600334; 1424233; 1466657; 8215738; 8318993; 8318509; 7711417; 8305410; 8004802; 7883971; 8723684; 8792774; 9108789; 9081691; 9603795; 10952765; 11781700; 11494965; 11940084; 12124991;15984016; 17158591; 18492086; 18354102; 20686565; 21981844; 24288038; 31618540; 32187462; 32197277Source: CGD (NHGRI)

ClinVar Associated Diseases & Phenotypes

Reported disease conditions connected to APOB variants in ClinVar

21 Conditions Cataloged
Hypercholesterolemia, autosomal dominant, type BTotal: 3210
Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia 1Total: 3185
Cardiovascular phenotypeTotal: 2958
not providedTotal: 1107
Familial hypercholesterolemiaTotal: 454
not specifiedTotal: 267
Hypercholesterolemia, familial, 1Total: 239
APOB-related disorderTotal: 123

ClinVar Variants & Pathogenicity by Type

Statistics based on transcript NM_000384.3. Only rare variants are included.

We include only reliable ClinVar variants with their consequences to MANE Select, MANE Plus Clinical transcripts, or transcripts with TSL equal to 1. Click a count to filter the variants table below.

Slight differences between displayed counts and ClinVar may occur due to a different transcript/consequence chosen by our variant effect predictor, or because we classify Benign/Likely benign as Likely benign and Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic as Likely pathogenic.

EffectPLPVUSLBBSum
synonymous
18
clinvar
1481
clinvar
23
clinvar
1522
missense
3
clinvar
17
clinvar
1993
clinvar
972
clinvar
42
clinvar
3027
nonsense
58
clinvar
27
clinvar
18
clinvar
103
start loss
0
frameshift
89
clinvar
34
clinvar
19
clinvar
1
clinvar
1
clinvar
144
splice donor/acceptor (+/-2bp)
7
clinvar
27
clinvar
1
clinvar
35
Total15710520492454664831

Highest pathogenic variant AF is 0.00042073042

Loading ClinVar variants...

Transcript Catalog

Annotated transcript isoforms across RefSeq and Ensembl databases

Showing 4 of 11 transcripts
Transcript IDSourceProtein IDCoding ExonsMANE Status
NM_000384.3RefSeqNP_000375.329MANE Select
ENST00000233242.5EnsemblENSP00000233242.129MANE Select
ENST00000399256.4EnsemblENSP00000382200.417Standard
ENST00000399256.5EnsemblENSP00000382200.417Standard

Model Organisms & Knockout Phenotypes

Observed phenotypic effects in mouse and zebrafish models

Gene / ModelOrganismObserved Phenotype
apobaDanio rerio

Structure: subintestinal vein

Quality: morphology

abnormal

Gene Ontology (GO) Annotations & Pathways

Biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components and pathways

Pathways ConsensusPathDB

  • Fat digestion and absorption - Homo sapiens (human)
  • Vitamin digestion and absorption - Homo sapiens (human)
  • Cholesterol metabolism - Homo sapiens (human)
  • Statin Pathway, Pharmacodynamics
  • Selenium Micronutrient Network

Biological Process

  • retinoid metabolic process
  • in utero embryonic development
  • toll-like receptor signaling pathway
  • triglyceride mobilization
  • receptor-mediated endocytosis

Molecular Function

  • protein binding
  • phospholipid binding
  • heparin binding
  • cholesterol transporter activity
  • lipase binding

Cellular Component

  • extracellular region
  • extracellular space
  • cytoplasm
  • early endosome
  • endoplasmic reticulum lumen

gnomAD Constraint

Source: gnomAD

Gene type
protein_coding
Transcript type
protein_coding
Transcript
ENST00000233242
Coding exons
29
Length
42645
Individuals with no LoFs
125554
Homozygous LoFs
0
Heterozygous LoFs
194
Defined
125748
p
0.000772
Z-ScoreObservedExpectedObserved/ExpectedMutation RateTotal Possible
Missense-1.7024822.25e+31.100.00011930090
Missense (PolyPhen)644609.821.05618417
Synonymous-1.409539001.060.00004988901
Loss of Function7.20561520.3690.000007832096

Population LoF Frequency

PopulationCAFp-valueStatus
African0.000930.00092rare
Latino/Admixed American0.000350.00035rare
Ashkenazi Jewish0.000700.00069rare
East Asian0.000490.00049rare
Finnish0.000280.00028rare
European (Non-Finnish)0.000880.00088rare
South Asian0.00130.0013notable
Other0.000980.00098rare

dbNSFP Gene Annotations

Source: dbNSFP

Function
FUNCTION: Apolipoprotein B is a major protein constituent of chylomicrons (apo B-48), LDL (apo B-100) and VLDL (apo B-100). Apo B-100 functions as a recognition signal for the cellular binding and internalization of LDL particles by the apoB/E receptor.;
Disease
DISEASE: Hypobetalipoproteinemia, familial, 1 (FHBL1) [MIM:615558]: A disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by less than 5th percentile age- and sex-specific levels of low density lipoproteins, and dietary fat malabsorption. Clinical presentation may vary from no symptoms to severe gastrointestinal and neurological dysfunction similar to abetalipoproteinemia. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:12551903, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21981844, ECO:0000269|PubMed:27206948}. Note=The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Most cases of FHBL1 result from nonsense mutations in the APOB gene that lead to a premature stop codon, which generate prematurely truncated apo B protein products (PubMed:21981844). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:21981844}.; DISEASE: Familial ligand-defective apolipoprotein B-100 (FDB) [MIM:144010]: Dominantly inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism leading to hypercholesterolemia and increased proneness to coronary artery disease (CAD). The plasma cholesterol levels are dramatically elevated due to impaired clearance of LDL particles by defective APOB/E receptors. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:21382890, ECO:0000269|PubMed:2563166, ECO:0000269|PubMed:7883971, ECO:0000269|PubMed:9259199}. Note=The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry.; DISEASE: Note=Defects in APOB associated with defects in other genes (polygenic) can contribute to hypocholesterolemia.;

Recessive Scores

pRec
0.883

Intolerance Scores

LoFtool
0.732
RVIS EVS
1.42
RVIS percentile EVS
94.85

Essentials

Essential (CRISPR)
N
Essential (CRISPR2)
N
Essential (gene trap)
N
Indispensability pred.
E
Indispensability score
0.983

Gene Damage Prediction

AllRecessiveDominant
MendelianHighHighHigh
Primary ImmunodeficiencyHighHighHigh
CancerHighHighHigh
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