What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Heart Disease Risk: 8/10 evidence, 25 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Heart Disease Risk
Two copies of the G allele are associated with typical cardiovascular health and efficient reverse cholesterol transport. Optimal lipid clearance helps maintain healthy blood vessels and lowers the risk of arterial plaque buildup.
What this genotype means: Typical cardiovascular risk profile; Efficient reverse cholesterol transport; Typical triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Heart Disease Risk
Presence of two C alleles is linked to less efficient cholesterol clearance and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Reduced receptor function is associated with elevated triglycerides and arterial plaque buildup.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of coronary artery disease and plaque buildup; Elevated circulating triglycerides and cholesterol; Higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/C
Slightly Higher Heart Disease Risk
Carrying one copy of the C allele is associated with a slight increase in blood lipid levels and cardiovascular risk. A subtle reduction in reverse cholesterol transport efficiency may lead to higher circulating triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Modestly increased risk of arterial plaque buildup; Slightly elevated triglycerides and cholesterol; Slightly higher circulating carotene levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The SCARB1 gene encodes scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), a critical receptor involved in cholesterol metabolism [1]. It is primarily responsible for facilitating the uptake of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) into the liver, a process known as reverse cholesterol transport [2]. Beyond cholesterol, SR-BI also plays a key role in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and dietary carotenoids [3].
Variant Impact: The rs10846744 variant is an intronic change located within the SCARB1 gene. This genetic variation is known to influence the expression levels of the scavenger receptor class B type I protein. Altered receptor expression can disrupt the efficiency of reverse cholesterol transport, leading to changes in circulating lipid levels and subclinical atherosclerosis [2]. Studies have shown that this specific variant is significantly associated with carotid intima-media thickness and overall cardiovascular disease risk [1]. Additionally, it affects the transport and blood levels of dietary carotenoids [3].
Key Insight: This variant can increase heart disease risk even if standard HDL cholesterol levels appear normal or high, because it affects how well HDL functions rather than just how much is present.
Location: SCARB1. Chromosome 12 · 12q24.31 · 124.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 50.6%; European 71.6%; African 13.6%; East Asian 17.4%; South Asian 62.2%; Americas 49.9%; Ashkenazi 56.9%; Finnish 69.4%; Middle Eastern 47.7%; Amish 64.4%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 34.8%; European 26.0%; African 46.5%; East Asian 48.6%; South Asian 33.4%; Americas 41.5%; Ashkenazi 37.0%; Finnish 27.8%; Middle Eastern 42.7%; Amish 31.7%.
Estimated GC genotype frequency.
Global 14.7%; European 2.4%; African 39.9%; East Asian 34.0%; South Asian 4.5%; Americas 8.6%; Ashkenazi 6.0%; Finnish 2.8%; Middle Eastern 9.6%; Amish 3.9%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Heart Disease
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30275531. Typical Levels.
Cholesterol Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
Blood Cell & Iron Traits
Red Blood Cell Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32888493. Slightly Larger.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Vitamin & Mineral Metabolism
Carotene Levels. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 35347128. Typical Levels.
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Kidney Health. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Higher Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30275531. Higher.
Cholesterol Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Higher.
Red Blood Cell Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32888493. Slightly Smaller.
Carotene Levels. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 35347128. Higher.
Kidney Health. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Higher Risk.
Showing effects for G/C genotype
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Slightly Higher Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30275531. Slightly Higher.
Cholesterol Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher.
Red Blood Cell Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32888493. Typical.
Carotene Levels. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 35347128. Slightly Higher.
Kidney Health. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Slightly Higher Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Normal functioning of the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) protein is associated with this genetic profile, which is essential for clearing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Carrying two copies of the G allele is linked to efficient reverse cholesterol transport, a process where high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries excess cholesterol back to the liver for excretion [1]. Consequently, blood tests often reveal lower levels of circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol compared to C allele carriers [2]. This efficient clearance helps maintain healthy blood vessels and is associated with a lower risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease [3]. Additionally, research links this profile to typical kidney function and normal red blood cell indices [4].
Typical cardiovascular risk profile; Efficient reverse cholesterol transport; Typical triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Two copies of the C risk allele are associated with reduced expression or efficiency of the SR-BI receptor. This impairment directly impacts reverse cholesterol transport, meaning high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is less effective at delivering cholesterol to the liver for excretion [1]. As a result, blood tests often show significantly higher levels of circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol [2]. This metabolic profile is strongly linked to an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction [3]. Research also indicates a potential association with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease [4]. Proactive cardiovascular health management, including regular lipid panels and a balanced diet, is particularly relevant for this genetic profile.
Increased risk of coronary artery disease and plaque buildup; Elevated circulating triglycerides and cholesterol; Higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
Sample genotype: GC (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the C risk allele can subtly alter the expression of the SR-BI receptor. A reduction in receptor efficiency can lead to less effective clearance of cholesterol from peripheral tissues and blood vessels [1]. Large-scale genetic studies have linked this profile to slightly elevated levels of circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol [2]. Over time, this reduced clearance efficiency can contribute to a modest increase in the risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease [3]. Blood levels of dietary carotenoids may also be slightly higher due to altered absorption pathways [4]. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these subtle genetic risks.
Modestly increased risk of arterial plaque buildup; Slightly elevated triglycerides and cholesterol; Slightly higher circulating carotene levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs11057830 · SCARB1 Gene · Chr 12 · Heart Disease Risk
rs5888 · SCARB1 Gene · Chr 12 · Cholesterol and Eye Health
rs10790162 · BUD13 Gene · Chr 11 · Triglyceride Levels
Genetics of blood lipids among ~300,000 multi-ethnic participants of the Million Veteran Program.
Diversity and scale: Genetic architecture of 2068 traits in the VA Million Veteran Program.
Content updated August 2026.
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