What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cancer Susceptibility: 6/10 evidence, 54 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Risk of Several Cancers
This genotype is linked to a higher susceptibility to lung, breast, and gastric cancers, but is associated with a smaller waist circumference.
What this genotype means: Elevated susceptibility to lung and breast cancers; Slightly smaller waist circumference; Larger spine bone size.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Typical Cancer Risk and Body Measurements
This genotype represents the baseline genetic profile, showing typical susceptibility to cancers and average physical measurements.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline risk for solid tumors; Average abdominal fat distribution; Standard spine bone size.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lower Cancer Risk with Minor Metabolic Trade-offs
This genotype is linked to a reduced risk of colorectal and lung cancers, though it is associated with a slightly larger waist circumference.
What this genotype means: Reduced risk of lung and colorectal cancers; Slightly larger waist circumference; Smaller spine bone size.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The MIR196A2 gene encodes microRNA 196a-2, a small non-coding RNA molecule that plays a vital role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. MicroRNAs act as molecular silencers, binding to target messenger RNAs to inhibit their translation into proteins. This specific microRNA is heavily involved in regulating cell proliferation, survival, and migration across various tissues [1]. Alterations in its expression levels have been linked to the development and progression of several types of solid tumors [2]. Additionally, it influences metabolic pathways and bone development by targeting genes involved in fat distribution and skeletal growth [3].
Variant Impact: The rs11614913 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism located within the mature sequence of the microRNA 196a-2 gene. This genetic change alters the processing and expression levels of the mature microRNA, directly impacting its ability to bind to target genes [4]. Specifically, the C allele is associated with increased expression of mature microRNA 196a-2, which can downregulate tumor suppressor genes and promote oncogenic pathways [2]. Conversely, the T allele leads to lower mature microRNA levels, which is generally protective against uncontrolled cell growth [1]. Beyond cancer, this variation influences metabolic traits and bone structure by altering the regulation of developmental genes [3].
Key Insight: A single nucleotide change in a tiny non-coding microRNA can simultaneously alter your susceptibility to multiple distinct cancers and influence your physical body measurements like waist size.
Location: MIR196A2. Chromosome 12 · 12q13.13 · 54.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 44.0%; European 35.7%; African 66.3%; East Asian 21.0%; South Asian 50.6%; Americas 37.8%; Ashkenazi 35.4%; Finnish 31.2%; Middle Eastern 51.7%; Amish 32.0%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 43.0%; European 48.1%; African 30.3%; East Asian 49.7%; South Asian 41.1%; Americas 47.4%; Ashkenazi 48.2%; Finnish 49.3%; Middle Eastern 40.4%; Amish 49.1%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 13.0%; European 16.2%; African 3.5%; East Asian 29.3%; South Asian 8.4%; Americas 14.8%; Ashkenazi 16.4%; Finnish 19.5%; Middle Eastern 7.9%; Amish 18.9%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cancer & Oncology
General Cancer Risk
Cancer Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27293850. Increased Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28448500. Typical.
Organ Systems
Bone, Joint & Connective Tissue Health
Spine Bone Size. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 31053729. Larger Bone Size.
Hip Geometry. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 39574169. Typical.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Cancer Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27293850. Typical Risk.
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28448500. Slightly Larger.
Spine Bone Size. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 31053729. Typical.
Hip Geometry. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 39574169. Slightly Altered.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cancer Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27293850. Decreased Risk.
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28448500. Larger.
Spine Bone Size. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 31053729. Smaller Bone Size.
Hip Geometry. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 39574169. Altered Geometry.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the C allele is associated with an elevated risk of developing several types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and gastric cancer [1]. This susceptibility is driven by the overproduction of mature microRNA 196a-2, which suppresses key protective tumor suppressor genes [2]. Studies indicate that individuals with this genotype may also experience reduced survival rates when diagnosed with certain cancers compared to those carrying the T allele [3]. On the positive side, the C allele is associated with a smaller waist circumference and a lower waist-to-hip ratio [4]. Additionally, this genotype is linked to larger spine bone size, which may offer some structural skeletal benefits [5]. However, the overall clinical significance is dominated by the elevated oncological risks.
Elevated susceptibility to lung and breast cancers; Slightly smaller waist circumference; Larger spine bone size.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Carrying one C allele and one T allele results in intermediate expression levels of the microRNA 196a-2 molecule. This balanced state is associated with average or baseline susceptibility to various cancers, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers [1]. Metabolic and physical measurements, such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, generally fall within the typical range for the population [2]. Spine bone size and hip geometry also reflect standard baseline characteristics without significant elevation or reduction in fracture risk [3]. Because this heterozygous profile does not strongly lean toward high risk or high protection, it serves as a neutral genetic baseline. Standard healthy lifestyle choices remain the most influential factor for overall health outcomes.
Typical baseline risk for solid tumors; Average abdominal fat distribution; Standard spine bone size.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with a significantly decreased risk of developing colorectal and lung cancers [1]. This protective effect occurs because the T allele leads to lower levels of mature microRNA 196a-2, allowing tumor suppressor genes to function more effectively [2]. However, this genotype carries some minor metabolic and structural trade-offs. Genome-wide association studies link the T allele to a slightly larger waist circumference and an increased waist-to-hip ratio [3]. It is also associated with smaller spine bone size, which could theoretically influence long-term bone density [4]. Despite these physical and skeletal trade-offs, the substantial reduction in overall cancer susceptibility makes this genotype highly favorable for long-term health.
Reduced risk of lung and colorectal cancers; Slightly larger waist circumference; Smaller spine bone size.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1057035 · DICER1 Gene · Chr 14 · Cancer Susceptibility
rs9623117 · TNRC6B Gene · Chr 22 · Prostate Cancer Risk
rs10719 · DROSHA Gene · Chr 5 · MicroRNA Processing and Health
GWAS of bone size yields twelve loci that also affect height, BMD, osteoarthritis or fractures.
Genome-wide physical activity interactions in adiposity - A meta-analysis of 200,452 adults.
Content updated August 2026.
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