What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Lipids: 10/10 evidence, 23 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): C/C
Typical Lipid Profile and Metabolic Risk
Two copies of the common C allele represent the baseline genetic profile for lipid metabolism. This genotype is associated with typical levels of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline risk for metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Highly Favorable Lipid Profile and Lower Metabolic Risk
Two copies of the protective A allele promote the most favorable lipid profile. This genotype is associated with the highest HDL and lowest triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Highest levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol; Lowest circulating triglycerides and VLDL; Lowest risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/A
Favorable Lipid Profile and Lower Metabolic Risk
A single copy of the protective A allele shifts the lipid profile toward a healthier state. This genotype is linked to higher HDL and lower triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Reduced triglycerides and LDL cholesterol; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The CETP gene encodes the cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which plays a central role in reverse cholesterol transport [1]. This protein facilitates the exchange of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles in exchange for triglycerides [1]. Lower activity of this protein typically results in higher circulating levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol [1]. Because of its powerful influence on lipid balance, CETP is a major focus of cardiovascular research and drug development [2].
Variant Impact: Located in an intergenic region near the CETP gene, rs247617 is a single-nucleotide variant that acts as a strong genetic modifier of lipid levels [1]. The protective A allele is consistently associated with a highly favorable lipid profile, characterized by significantly elevated HDL cholesterol and reduced triglycerides [1] [2]. Conversely, the common C allele is linked to higher levels of atherogenic particles like LDL and VLDL [1]. This genetic variation influences how the body processes fats after meals and during fasting states [1].
Key Insight: The protective A allele at this locus acts similarly to a natural CETP inhibitor, raising beneficial HDL cholesterol while simultaneously lowering triglycerides and metabolic syndrome risk.
Location: CETP. Chromosome 16 · 16q13 · 57.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 50.4%; European 45.8%; African 55.3%; East Asian 69.9%; South Asian 44.2%; Americas 51.0%; Ashkenazi 54.0%; Finnish 52.6%; Middle Eastern 58.6%; Amish 37.5%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 41.0%; European 43.7%; African 38.1%; East Asian 27.4%; South Asian 44.5%; Americas 40.8%; Ashkenazi 39.0%; Finnish 39.9%; Middle Eastern 35.9%; Amish 47.5%.
Estimated CA genotype frequency.
Global 8.6%; European 10.4%; African 6.6%; East Asian 2.7%; South Asian 11.2%; Americas 8.2%; Ashkenazi 7.0%; Finnish 7.6%; Middle Eastern 5.5%; Amish 15.0%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. +0.34 mmol/L.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lowest.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lowest.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Lowest Risk.
Showing effects for C/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. +0.17 mmol/L.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Lower Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the C allele is the most common genetic pattern globally, representing the baseline for lipid processing [1]. This profile is associated with typical levels of circulating HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides [1] [2]. Because there are no protective A alleles to naturally suppress CETP activity, the exchange of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides proceeds at a standard rate [1]. While this genotype does not offer the lipid-lowering advantages of the minor allele, it does not represent an elevated risk beyond the general population baseline [2]. Standard dietary and lifestyle choices remain the primary drivers of cardiovascular health for this group.
Typical HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline risk for metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the protective A allele maximizes the genetic advantage at this locus, significantly optimizing lipid metabolism [1]. This genotype is associated with the highest levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol and the lowest levels of triglycerides and VLDL [1] [2]. By naturally dampening CETP activity, this profile helps keep protective cholesterol in circulation longer while reducing the formation of atherogenic particles [1]. Clinical cohorts show that this highly favorable lipid balance translates to a significantly reduced risk of developing metabolic syndrome [3]. While total cholesterol levels may be elevated, this is driven by a substantial increase in large, healthy HDL particles [1].
Highest levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol; Lowest circulating triglycerides and VLDL; Lowest risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype: CA (Heterozygous)
Possessing one copy of the protective A allele leads to a moderate natural reduction in CETP activity [1]. This reduction favors a healthier distribution of circulating lipids, characterized by an increase in beneficial HDL cholesterol and a decrease in triglycerides [1] [2]. Large-scale genomic studies demonstrate that this favorable lipid shift correlates with a lower overall susceptibility to metabolic syndrome [3]. Although total cholesterol may appear slightly higher, this is primarily driven by the increase in large, protective HDL particles rather than harmful LDL [1]. This genetic profile provides a mild, lifelong cardiovascular advantage.
Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Reduced triglycerides and LDL cholesterol; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs12720922 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Cholesterol and Heart Health
rs1532624 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Lipid Levels and Statins
rs17231506 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Cardiovascular Health
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Genome-Wide Association Study of the Metabolic Syndrome in UK Biobank.
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