What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cardiometabolic Health: 8/10 evidence, 37 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): T/T
Favorable Lipid Profile and Lower Alzheimer's Risk
Lower baseline triglyceride levels and a healthier overall lipid profile characterize this profile under normal conditions. However, chronic psychological stress can negatively alter this metabolic advantage.
What this genotype means: Lower baseline triglycerides; Higher HDL cholesterol; Lower Alzheimer's risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Triglycerides and Elevated Alzheimer's Risk
Elevated baseline triglyceride levels and an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease are linked to this profile. It is also associated with slightly higher liver enzyme levels.
What this genotype means: Elevated baseline triglycerides; Higher Alzheimer's risk; Slightly higher liver enzymes.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Typical Lipid Profile and Moderate Alzheimer's Risk
Average lipid levels and moderate cardiovascular and cognitive risk are typical for this balanced profile. It provides a standard baseline for metabolic health.
What this genotype means: Typical triglyceride levels; Moderate Alzheimer's risk; Typical HDL cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Situated on chromosome 19, the genomic region containing APOC1 and APOE genes is a major hub for lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative health. APOE plays a critical role in packaging and transporting cholesterol and other lipids through the bloodstream. APOC1 is also involved in lipid transport and modulates the clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Because of their close proximity, variants in this region are often inherited together and strongly influence cardiovascular and brain health.
Variant Impact: Located in the 19q13.32 chromosomal region, this single nucleotide polymorphism acts as a regulatory element that can influence the expression of neighboring apolipoprotein genes [1]. Research indicates that rs439401 is associated with variations in circulating lipid levels, particularly triglycerides and HDL cholesterol [2]. It also shows strong linkage with genetic markers for Alzheimer's disease risk and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers [3]. Furthermore, its metabolic effects appear to be highly sensitive to environmental factors such as psychological stress [4].
Key Insight: Your body's metabolic response to this variant can completely flip depending on your level of chronic psychological stress.
Location: APOE. Chromosome 19 · 19q13.32 · 44.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 12.6%; European 13.7%; African 2.2%; East Asian 33.5%; South Asian 31.1%; Americas 24.9%; Ashkenazi 18.2%; Finnish 7.5%; Middle Eastern 25.3%; Amish 11.8%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 40.8%; European 46.7%; African 25.1%; East Asian 48.8%; South Asian 49.3%; Americas 50.0%; Ashkenazi 48.9%; Finnish 39.7%; Middle Eastern 50.0%; Amish 45.1%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 46.6%; European 39.6%; African 72.7%; East Asian 17.8%; South Asian 19.6%; Americas 25.2%; Ashkenazi 32.9%; Finnish 52.9%; Middle Eastern 24.7%; Amish 43.2%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Lower Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Higher Levels.
Neurology & Mental Health
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 21123754. Lower Risk.
Organ Systems
Liver Function & Disease
AST Liver Enzyme. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33547301. Lower Levels.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Macronutrient Metabolism
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Higher DHA.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Lower Levels.
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 21123754. Increased Risk.
AST Liver Enzyme. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33547301. Slightly Higher.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Lower DHA.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 19060911. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Typical Levels.
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 21123754. Typical Risk.
AST Liver Enzyme. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33547301. Typical Levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical DHA.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Under typical conditions, two copies of the T allele are linked to lower circulating triglycerides and higher levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol [1]. A lower risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease is also associated with this profile due to favorable linkage patterns in the apolipoprotein gene cluster [2]. Interestingly, clinical research has revealed a powerful gene-environment interaction at this locus [3]. In environments of high chronic psychological stress, such as caregiving, the metabolic profile of the T/T genotype can reverse, leading to higher triglycerides and increased insulin resistance [4]. This highlights the importance of stress management in maintaining the natural cardiovascular benefits of this genetic profile.
Lower baseline triglycerides; Higher HDL cholesterol; Lower Alzheimer's risk; Sensitive to chronic stress.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Double copies of the C allele are consistently associated with elevated circulating triglycerides, with studies showing an average increase of several milligrams per deciliter [1]. Strong linkage disequilibrium with the APOE epsilon 4 allele also connects this profile to an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease [2]. Furthermore, the C/C profile is linked to higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, a marker of liver stress [3]. On the positive side, this profile is associated with slightly greater height [4]. Proactive cardiovascular monitoring and lipid-friendly lifestyle choices are often recommended for this profile.
Elevated baseline triglycerides; Higher Alzheimer's risk; Slightly higher liver enzymes; Slightly taller stature.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
A single copy of each allele results in an intermediate metabolic state between the two homozygous profiles. Triglyceride levels and HDL cholesterol concentrations generally fall within the typical population average [1]. The risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease is also moderate, reflecting a balance of protective and risk-associated genetic factors in the APOE region [2]. While this profile does not confer the same baseline lipid-lowering benefits as the T/T genotype, it is also less susceptible to the dramatic stress-induced metabolic shifts seen in T/T homozygotes [3]. Maintaining standard healthy dietary habits and regular exercise supports optimal cardiovascular health for this profile.
Typical triglyceride levels; Moderate Alzheimer's risk; Typical HDL cholesterol.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs429358 · APOE Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer's Disease Risk
rs7412 · APOE Gene · Chr 19 · Cholesterol and Heart Risk
rs769449 · APOE Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Loci influencing lipid levels and coronary heart disease risk in 16 European population cohorts.
Genome-wide association study of CSF biomarkers Abeta1-42, t-tau, and p-tau181p in the ADNI cohort.
Associations between APOE variants and metabolic traits and the impact of psychological stress.
A saturated map of common genetic variants associated with human height.
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