What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cardiovascular Health: 7/10 evidence, 12 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
Higher Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risks
Associated with lower HDL cholesterol levels and a higher risk of stroke, this genotype also correlates with elevated uric acid.
What this genotype means: Lower circulating HDL cholesterol; Increased risk of atherothrombotic stroke; Higher baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lower Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risks
Associated with higher HDL cholesterol levels and a lower risk of stroke, this genotype also correlates with lower uric acid.
What this genotype means: Higher circulating HDL cholesterol; Reduced risk of atherothrombotic stroke; Lower baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Typical Cardiovascular and Metabolic Profile
Representing a balance between the protective A allele and the risk-associated G allele, this genotype keeps most markers near average.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Average risk of stroke and diabetes; Normal uric acid levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: ABCA1 encodes the cholesterol efflux regulatory protein, which is crucial for reverse cholesterol transport. This protein helps clear excess cholesterol from tissues and macrophages, transferring it to apolipoproteins to form high-density lipoprotein, or HDL [1]. This clearance process protects arteries from plaque buildup and atherosclerosis [2]. Proper functioning of this gene is essential for maintaining cellular cholesterol homeostasis throughout the body.
Variant Impact: Located in the promoter region of the ABCA1 gene, rs1800977 influences how much transporter protein is produced. The G allele is associated with lower promoter activity, which can reduce ABCA1 expression and impair cholesterol clearance [2]. Conversely, the A allele is linked to higher promoter activity, promoting better lipid profiles and metabolic health [3]. This single nucleotide change has cascading effects on cardiovascular risk, blood lipid levels, and metabolic pathways.
Key Insight: The ABCA1 gene is best known for regulating cholesterol, but its role in cellular clearance also directly influences insulin secretion in the pancreas and uric acid levels in the blood.
Location: ABCA1. Chromosome 9 · 9q31.1 · 104.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 43.7%; European 42.6%; African 55.6%; East Asian 48.1%; South Asian 31.3%; Americas 31.0%; Ashkenazi 32.0%; Finnish 32.3%; Middle Eastern 39.6%; Amish 19.5%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 44.1%; European 45.3%; African 38.0%; East Asian 42.5%; South Asian 49.3%; Americas 49.4%; Ashkenazi 49.1%; Finnish 49.1%; Middle Eastern 46.7%; Amish 49.3%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 12.2%; European 12.1%; African 6.5%; East Asian 9.4%; South Asian 19.4%; Americas 19.6%; Ashkenazi 18.9%; Finnish 18.6%; Middle Eastern 13.7%; Amish 31.2%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Stroke
Stroke. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18566305. Higher Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Levels.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26451383. Higher Risk.
Gout & Uric Acid
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 38658550. Higher Levels.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Stroke. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18566305. Lower Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Levels.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26451383. Lower Risk.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 38658550. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Stroke. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18566305. Typical Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical Levels.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26451383. Typical Risk.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 38658550. Typical Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Two copies of the G allele are linked to reduced expression of the ABCA1 transporter, which impairs the body's ability to clear cholesterol from cells [1]. This impairment leads to lower circulating levels of protective HDL cholesterol [2]. Clinical studies have associated this genetic profile with an increased risk of atherothrombotic stroke and coronary artery disease [3]. Additionally, the G allele is linked to higher serum uric acid levels, which can increase the risk of gout [4]. Research also indicates a higher susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, likely due to cholesterol accumulation in pancreatic cells affecting insulin secretion [5].
Lower circulating HDL cholesterol; Increased risk of atherothrombotic stroke; Higher baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Two copies of the A allele are linked to enhanced expression of the ABCA1 transporter, promoting efficient reverse cholesterol transport [1]. This efficiency results in higher circulating levels of protective HDL cholesterol [2]. Consequently, this genetic profile is associated with a lower risk of developing atherothrombotic stroke and coronary artery disease [3]. The A allele is also associated with lower serum uric acid levels, reducing the likelihood of gout [4]. Furthermore, studies show a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, potentially because efficient cholesterol clearance preserves pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion [5].
Higher circulating HDL cholesterol; Reduced risk of atherothrombotic stroke; Lower baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
An intermediate genetic profile with one G and one A allele typically results in moderate ABCA1 transporter activity. While the G allele tends to lower HDL cholesterol, the presence of the protective A allele helps offset this effect, keeping lipid levels near the average [1]. Similarly, the risk of atherothrombotic stroke and type 2 diabetes is not significantly elevated compared to the general population [2] [3]. Uric acid levels also remain within the typical range [4]. This balanced genetic profile suggests that lifestyle factors will play a more dominant role in cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes than this specific variant.
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Average risk of stroke and diabetes; Normal uric acid levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1800978 · ABCA1 Gene · Chr 9 · Heart and Lipid Health
rs1883025 · ABCA1 Gene · Chr 9 · Cholesterol and Lipid Levels
rs2066718 · ABCA1 Gene · Chr 9 · Cholesterol and Heart Health
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Genetic factors for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in Japanese individuals.
Large-scale cross-ancestry genome-wide meta-analysis of serum urate.
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