What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Gallstone and Cholesterol Risk: 10/10 evidence, 22 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Gallstone Risk and Lower HDL Cholesterol
Elevated susceptibility to gallstones characterizes this profile due to reduced bile acid secretion in the gallbladder.
What this genotype means: Significantly higher risk of gallstone disease; Lower circulating HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly higher red blood cell count.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Typical Gallstone Risk and Higher HDL Cholesterol
Efficient bile acid secretion protects against gallstone formation under this profile.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of gallstone disease; Higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher baseline C-reactive protein.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Moderately Higher Gallstone Risk
Moderate increases in gallstone risk are associated with this intermediate profile.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher risk of gallstone disease; Typical circulating HDL cholesterol levels; Average baseline inflammatory markers.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LOC157273 gene is an uncharacterized long noncoding RNA located on chromosome 8. Although its direct biological function remains poorly understood, it is situated near the protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3B gene [1]. This genomic region plays a critical role in regulating hepatic glycogen synthesis and liver volume [2]. It is highly active in the liver, where it influences the expression of nearby metabolic genes [1]. Additionally, variations in this locus are closely linked to the composition of gallbladder bile and systemic lipid levels [1].
Variant Impact: An intronic change known as rs4240624 acts as a strong expression regulator for the neighboring PPP1R3B gene [1]. This genetic alteration significantly impacts the concentration of bile acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids secreted into the gallbladder [1]. The G allele is associated with reduced bile acid secretion, which alters the biliary lipidome and increases the risk of gallstone formation [1]. Conversely, the A allele is linked to higher circulating levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 [2]. These changes demonstrate how a single noncoding variant can coordinate both local digestive processes and systemic lipid transport [1] [2].
Key Insight: Carrying the G allele reduces the concentration of bile acids in your gallbladder, which can lead to the formation of gallstones. However, this same G allele is associated with lower levels of systemic C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation.
Location: PPP1R3B. Chromosome 8 · 8p23.1 · 9.3 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 1.9%; European 0.8%; African 3.6%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 1.2%; Americas 2.9%; Ashkenazi 0.3%; Finnish 2.6%; Middle Eastern 0.6%; Amish < 0.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 21.4%; European 15.9%; African 30.6%; East Asian 2.4%; South Asian 19.3%; Americas 28.4%; Ashkenazi 10.7%; Finnish 27.1%; Middle Eastern 13.8%; Amish 0.7%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 76.7%; European 83.3%; African 65.9%; East Asian 97.6%; South Asian 79.5%; Americas 68.6%; Ashkenazi 89.0%; Finnish 70.3%; Middle Eastern 85.6%; Amish 99.3%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Organ Systems
Digestive & Gut Disorders
Gallstones. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21423719. Higher Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28334899. Lower Levels.
Blood Cell & Iron Traits
Red Blood Cell Count. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32888494. Higher Count.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29878111. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Gallstones. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21423719. Typical Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28334899. Higher Levels.
Red Blood Cell Count. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32888494. Lower Count.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29878111. Higher Levels.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Gallstones. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21423719. Slightly Higher Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28334899. Typical Levels.
Red Blood Cell Count. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32888494. Typical Count.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29878111. Typical Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Biliary lipid composition is significantly altered by this genetic profile, leading to a marked decrease in total bile acids [1]. This reduction in bile acids impairs the solubilization of cholesterol, which significantly increases the susceptibility to gallstone disease [1]. On a systemic level, this genotype is associated with lower concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1, which are key components of cardiovascular lipid transport [2]. Interestingly, G/G individuals also tend to have slightly higher red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels [3]. On the positive side, this genetic profile is linked to lower levels of C-reactive protein, suggesting a reduced baseline inflammatory response [4]. Managing dietary fat and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate the elevated risk of gallstones associated with this profile.
Significantly higher risk of gallstone disease; Lower circulating HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly higher red blood cell count.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Optimal gallbladder function is highly supported by this common genetic profile. This genotype promotes robust secretion of bile acids into the gallbladder, which helps keep cholesterol dissolved and significantly reduces the risk of gallstone formation [1]. In the bloodstream, A/A individuals tend to have higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1, supporting cardiovascular health [2]. However, this profile is also associated with slightly higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation [3]. Red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels are typically slightly lower or average compared to G allele carriers [4]. Overall, this genotype provides a natural defense against gallstones while maintaining favorable lipid transport profiles. Standard cardiovascular wellness practices remain beneficial for managing baseline inflammation.
Lower risk of gallstone disease; Higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher baseline C-reactive protein.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
An intermediate metabolic profile is typical for this heterozygous state, showing mild effects on biliary and systemic lipids. Research indicates that individuals with this heterozygous genotype experience a moderate reduction in gallbladder bile acid levels compared to those with the AA genotype [1]. This reduction slightly elevates the likelihood of developing gallstone disease, particularly when combined with other risk factors like obesity [1]. Systemic markers, including HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1, generally remain within the typical range [2]. Similarly, red blood cell parameters and hemoglobin levels are close to the population average [3]. Baseline inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein also show typical values [4]. Adopting a balanced diet rich in fiber and healthy fats can support optimal gallbladder function and overall metabolic health.
Moderately higher risk of gallstone disease; Typical circulating HDL cholesterol levels; Average baseline inflammatory markers.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs4841132 · PPP1R3B Gene · Chr 8 · Metabolic Trade-Off
rs2126259 · PPP1R3B Gene · Chr 8 · Metabolic Health Balance
rs6601299 · PPP1R3B Gene · Chr 8 · Cholesterol and Lipids
Genome-wide characterization of circulating metabolic biomarkers.
The Polygenic and Monogenic Basis of Blood Traits and Diseases.
Content updated August 2026.
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