What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Lipids: 8/10 evidence, 17 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Lipid Levels and Cardiovascular Risk
This genotype represents the most common genetic profile, carrying two copies of the G allele. It is associated with typical levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, representing the standard baseline risk.
What this genotype means: Typical LDL cholesterol levels; Typical triglyceride levels; Standard baseline cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/T
Lower LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Carrying one copy of the protective T allele is linked to moderately lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This genetic profile offers a natural advantage for cardiovascular health.
What this genotype means: Moderately lower LDL cholesterol; Moderately lower triglycerides; Favorable cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lowest LDL Cholesterol and Optimal Lipid Profile
Carrying two copies of the protective T allele is associated with the lowest levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This rare genotype provides strong genetic protection against high cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Lowest LDL cholesterol levels; Lowest triglyceride levels; Highly favorable cardiovascular risk profile.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The NCAN-CILP2 genomic region on chromosome 19 is a well-known hotspot for variants regulating lipid metabolism [1]. While NCAN encodes neurocan, a proteoglycan primarily active in the nervous system, neighboring CILP2 encodes cartilage intermediate layer protein 2 [2]. CILP2 is highly expressed in cartilage and has been found to play roles in joint stability, but its genomic region is also strongly linked to circulating lipid concentrations [2] [3]. Studies show that genetic variations in this region can significantly alter plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides [1] [3].
Variant Impact: The rs16996148 variant is an intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism located between the CILP2 and PBX4 genes on chromosome 19 [2]. This genetic marker is strongly associated with variations in blood lipid levels, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides [1]. The major G allele is linked to higher circulating lipid concentrations, whereas the minor T allele exerts a protective effect by lowering these levels [1] [3]. This variant is widely studied across diverse populations, demonstrating consistent effects on cardiovascular risk profiles [2] [4].
Key Insight: The protective T allele is relatively rare, meaning only a small percentage of the global population carries the highly protective double-copy genotype.
Location: CILP2. Chromosome 19 · 19p13.11 · 19.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 81.3%; European 84.8%; African 71.1%; East Asian 83.4%; South Asian 79.1%; Americas 86.5%; Ashkenazi 89.9%; Finnish 87.8%; Middle Eastern 84.3%; Amish 78.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 17.6%; European 14.6%; African 26.4%; East Asian 15.9%; South Asian 19.6%; Americas 13.0%; Ashkenazi 9.8%; Finnish 11.8%; Middle Eastern 15.0%; Amish 20.6%.
Estimated GT genotype frequency.
Global 1.1%; European 0.6%; African 2.5%; East Asian 0.8%; South Asian 1.2%; Americas 0.5%; Ashkenazi 0.3%; Finnish 0.4%; Middle Eastern 0.7%; Amish 1.4%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Typical.
Hypercholesterolemia. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34906840. Typical Risk.
Non-HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39414775. Typical.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Macronutrient Metabolism
Circulating Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 40545721. Direction Unresolved.
Showing effects for G/T genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Moderately Lower.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Moderately Lower.
Hypercholesterolemia. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34906840. Lower Risk.
Non-HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39414775. Moderately Lower.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Lowest.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Lowest.
Hypercholesterolemia. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34906840. Lowest Risk.
Non-HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39414775. Lowest.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Having the G/G genotype means carrying two copies of the major G allele, which is present in approximately 90% of the global population. This genotype is associated with standard baseline levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides [1]. Because it is the most common genetic profile, it represents the typical reference point for cardiovascular risk assessments [2]. Individuals with this genotype do not benefit from the lipid-lowering effects of the minor T allele [1] [3]. While it does not represent an elevated risk beyond the general population average, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle remains important [2].
Typical LDL cholesterol levels; Typical triglyceride levels; Standard baseline cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype: GT (Heterozygous)
Having the G/T genotype means carrying one copy of the protective minor T allele. This genetic variation is associated with a moderate reduction in both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels [1]. By naturally lowering these circulating lipids, the T allele helps reduce the overall burden on the cardiovascular system [2]. This protective effect has been replicated across multiple ethnic groups, including European and Asian cohorts [3] [4]. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise still play a major role, this genotype provides a favorable genetic baseline for maintaining healthy lipid profiles [1].
Moderately lower LDL cholesterol; Moderately lower triglycerides; Favorable cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Having the T/T genotype means carrying two copies of the protective minor T allele, which is found in less than 2% of the global population. This genotype is associated with the most significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides [1]. By maintaining naturally lower levels of these lipids, individuals with this profile have a highly favorable cardiovascular risk outlook [2]. The protective influence of this double-copy genotype is well-documented in genome-wide association studies [1] [3]. Although cardiovascular health depends on many factors, this genetic signature offers an exceptional natural defense against hypercholesterolemia [4].
Lowest LDL cholesterol levels; Lowest triglyceride levels; Highly favorable cardiovascular risk profile.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs139974673 · CATSPER2P1 Gene · Chr 15 · Triglyceride and Lipid Levels
rs4722551 · MIR148A Gene · Chr 7 · Cholesterol Levels
rs59104589 · HDLBP Gene · Chr 2 · Cholesterol Levels
Newly identified loci that influence lipid concentrations and risk of coronary artery disease.
Polygenic architecture and cardiovascular risk of familial combined hyperlipidemia.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com