What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Heart Disease Risk: 10/10 evidence, 33 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Lipid Levels and Elevated Heart Risk
Carrying two copies of the A allele is associated with the highest levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, alongside lower HDL cholesterol. This profile is linked to an elevated risk of developing coronary artery disease.
What this genotype means: Highest risk of coronary artery disease; Elevated levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol; Lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/T
Moderately Elevated Lipid Levels and Heart Risk
Carrying one copy of the A allele is associated with moderately higher triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, along with slightly lower HDL cholesterol. This intermediate lipid profile contributes to a slightly increased risk of coronary artery disease.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher triglycerides and LDL cholesterol; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol; Modestly increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Favorable Lipid Profile and Lower Heart Risk
Having two copies of the T allele is associated with lower levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, alongside higher levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. This combination of lipid levels contributes to a lower overall risk of developing coronary artery disease.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of coronary artery disease; Higher levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol; Lower levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The TRIB1 gene encodes a member of the tribbles family of pseudokinases, which act as scaffold proteins to regulate various intracellular signaling pathways [1]. It plays a crucial role in hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating the expression of key lipogenic genes and the secretion of very-low-density lipoproteins [2]. TRIB1 is also involved in the differentiation of tissue-resident macrophages, which are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and modulating inflammatory responses [3]. Variations in and around this gene have been heavily implicated in determining circulating levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol [4]. Consequently, TRIB1 is a major genetic determinant of cardiovascular health and susceptibility to coronary artery disease [5].
Variant Impact: The rs2954029 variant is an intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism located on chromosome 8 near the TRIB1 gene. This genetic change is thought to influence the expression levels of the TRIB1 protein in the liver, thereby altering lipid processing [2]. The A allele of this variant is strongly associated with increased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, while lowering protective HDL cholesterol [1]. Conversely, the T allele is associated with a more favorable lipid profile, including lower triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol [3]. Due to these lipid-altering effects, the variant is a well-established genetic marker for susceptibility to coronary artery disease [5].
Key Insight: This variant affects multiple lipid markers simultaneously, influencing both bad LDL and good HDL cholesterol in opposite directions.
Location: TRIB1. Chromosome 8 · 8q24.13 · 125.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 34.6%; European 28.7%; African 44.0%; East Asian 22.8%; South Asian 42.3%; Americas 40.6%; Ashkenazi 40.7%; Finnish 28.5%; Middle Eastern 47.1%; Amish 12.0%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 47.7%; European 49.7%; African 44.7%; East Asian 49.9%; South Asian 45.5%; Americas 46.2%; Ashkenazi 46.2%; Finnish 49.8%; Middle Eastern 43.1%; Amish 45.3%.
Estimated AT genotype frequency.
Global 17.7%; European 21.6%; African 11.3%; East Asian 27.3%; South Asian 12.2%; Americas 13.1%; Ashkenazi 13.1%; Finnish 21.7%; Middle Eastern 9.8%; Amish 42.7%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Heart Disease
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29212778. ~1.1x Higher Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Elevated Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Elevated Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for A/T genotype
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Slightly Higher Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Slightly Elevated.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Slightly Elevated.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Slightly Lower.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Typical Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19060906. Typical Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
This genotype is associated with a less favorable blood lipid profile and an elevated risk of cardiovascular issues. Carrying two copies of the A allele is consistently linked to higher circulating levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol [1]. At the same time, it is associated with lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol [2]. These lipid imbalances are known risk factors that contribute to an increased likelihood of developing coronary artery disease [3]. The genetic variation is located near the TRIB1 gene, which regulates hepatic lipogenesis and the secretion of very-low-density lipoproteins [4]. Because these genetic factors raise baseline lipid levels, proactive cardiovascular care is highly beneficial. Emphasizing a diet low in saturated fats and engaging in regular aerobic exercise can help mitigate these genetic risks.
Highest risk of coronary artery disease; Elevated levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol; Lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype: AT (Heterozygous)
Having one copy of the A allele and one copy of the T allele results in an intermediate cardiovascular risk profile. Individuals with this genotype tend to have higher levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol compared to those with the T/T genotype [1]. Additionally, they typically exhibit slightly lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol [2]. These combined lipid changes are associated with a modest increase in the risk of developing coronary artery disease over time [3]. Because this genotype represents a middle ground, lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking play a pivotal role in managing cardiovascular risk.
Moderately higher triglycerides and LDL cholesterol; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol; Modestly increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
This genotype is highly favorable for cardiovascular health due to its influence on how the body processes fats. Research shows that carrying two copies of the T allele is linked to significantly lower circulating levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol [1]. Concurrently, it is associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the good cholesterol that helps clear other lipids from the bloodstream [2]. Together, these balanced lipid biomarkers translate to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease [3]. The underlying mechanism involves the TRIB1 gene, which plays a critical role in liver lipid metabolism and the clearance of lipoproteins [4]. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can further optimize these natural genetic advantages.
Lower risk of coronary artery disease; Higher levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol; Lower levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs17321515 · TRIB1 Gene · Chr 8 · Blood Lipid Levels
rs2954021 · TRIB1 Gene · Chr 8 · Heart and Liver Health
rs2954022 · TRIB1 Gene · Chr 8 · Blood Lipids
Discovery and refinement of loci associated with lipid levels.
Biological, clinical and population relevance of 95 loci for blood lipids.
Common variants at 30 loci contribute to polygenic dyslipidemia.
Content updated August 2026.
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