What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Metabolic and Kidney Health: 10/10 evidence, 21 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical metabolic and kidney profile
Baseline levels of blood lipids, kidney function markers, and gout risk are expected. Most people carry this genotype, representing the standard reference profile for these metabolic traits.
What this genotype means: Standard cardiovascular risk profile; Typical kidney filtration rate; Baseline susceptibility to gout.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Favorable lipid and kidney profile
Having one copy of the T allele is linked to slightly higher HDL cholesterol and better kidney filtration. This genotype also correlates with lower triglycerides and a reduced risk of gout.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher protective HDL cholesterol; Slightly lower triglycerides; Reduced risk of gout and kidney strain.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Highly favorable lipid and kidney profile
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with the highest HDL cholesterol levels and optimal kidney filtration. It also provides the strongest protection against high triglycerides and gout.
What this genotype means: Higher protective HDL cholesterol; Lower triglycerides; Lowest risk of gout and optimal kidney filtration.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Inhibin subunit beta C (INHBC) encodes a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of proteins [1]. This gene is primarily expressed in the liver, where it plays a role in cell growth, differentiation, and hormone regulation [2]. It forms activin C, a hormone that acts as a modulator of other activins and cellular signaling pathways [1]. Variations in this gene have been linked to metabolic processes, including lipid metabolism and kidney function [2].
Variant Impact: Located in the 3 prime untranslated region of the INHBC gene, rs3741414 is a single nucleotide polymorphism that influences gene expression levels [1]. The change from a cytosine (C) to a thymine (T) allele is associated with altered levels of circulating inhibin proteins [1]. This genetic variation has downstream effects on multiple metabolic biomarkers, including blood lipids and renal clearance markers [3].
Key Insight: A single genetic change in the liver-expressed INHBC gene simultaneously influences cholesterol levels, kidney function, and gout risk.
Location: INHBC. Chromosome 12 · 12q13.3 · 57.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 66.8%; European 59.0%; African 82.3%; East Asian 84.7%; South Asian 84.3%; Americas 52.4%; Ashkenazi 70.6%; Finnish 59.2%; Middle Eastern 90.6%; Amish 48.7%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 29.2%; European 35.6%; African 16.9%; East Asian 14.7%; South Asian 15.0%; Americas 39.9%; Ashkenazi 26.8%; Finnish 35.5%; Middle Eastern 9.1%; Amish 42.2%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 4.0%; European 5.4%; African 0.9%; East Asian 0.6%; South Asian 0.7%; Americas 7.6%; Ashkenazi 2.5%; Finnish 5.3%; Middle Eastern 0.2%; Amish 9.1%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Gout & Uric Acid
Gout. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23263486. Typical.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
HbA1c. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34594039. Typical.
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Kidney Function. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 28452372. Typical.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Lower.
Gout. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Slightly Lower Risk.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23263486. Slightly Lower.
HbA1c. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34594039. Slightly Lower HbA1c.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 28452372. Slightly Higher eGFR.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower.
Gout. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Lower Risk.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23263486. Lower.
HbA1c. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34594039. Lower HbA1c.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 28452372. Higher eGFR.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the common C allele is associated with typical metabolic and physiological baselines. Studies indicate that this genotype is linked to standard levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides [1]. Kidney function markers, such as creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), generally fall within the typical range [2]. Uric acid levels and the corresponding risk of developing gout also represent the population baseline [3]. While this genotype does not confer the metabolic advantages associated with the minor T allele, it does not represent an elevated risk compared to the general population. Maintaining standard dietary and lifestyle habits is sufficient for supporting cardiovascular and renal health.
Standard cardiovascular risk profile; Typical kidney filtration rate; Baseline susceptibility to gout.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of the beneficial T allele provides a modest metabolic advantage. Research shows that this genetic profile is associated with increased levels of protective HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides [1]. Renal health markers are also improved, with studies reporting a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lower serum creatinine [2]. Additionally, this variation is linked to lower circulating uric acid levels, which translates to a reduced likelihood of developing gout [3]. These combined effects suggest a generally favorable cardiovascular and metabolic baseline. While the individual impact of a single allele is small, it contributes positively to long-term metabolic resilience.
Slightly higher protective HDL cholesterol; Slightly lower triglycerides; Reduced risk of gout and kidney strain.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the minor T allele maximizes the metabolic benefits associated with this variant. Clinical cohorts demonstrate that this genotype is linked to significantly higher HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides compared to the common genotype [1]. Kidney filtration efficiency is optimized, as evidenced by higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values and lower creatinine levels [2]. The risk of hyperuricemia and painful gout flare-ups is also at its lowest due to reduced serum urate concentrations [3]. These protective cardiovascular and renal signatures suggest robust metabolic health. Although lifestyle factors remain the primary driver of overall wellness, this genetic makeup provides a supportive biological foundation.
Higher protective HDL cholesterol; Lower triglycerides; Lowest risk of gout and optimal kidney filtration.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2229357 · INHBC Gene · Chr 12 · Gout and Heart Risk
rs1171617 · SLC16A9 Gene · Chr 10 · Gout Risk
rs1260333 · GCKR Gene · Chr 2 · Triglyceride Levels
Mapping the proteo-genomic convergence of human diseases.
Genome-wide discovery of genetic loci that uncouple excess adiposity from its comorbidities.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
1000 Genomes-based meta-analysis identifies 10 novel loci for kidney function.
Diversity and scale: Genetic architecture of 2068 traits in the VA Million Veteran Program.
Content updated August 2026.
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