What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol Levels: 10/10 evidence, 18 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Favorable LDL and Total Cholesterol Profile
This genotype is associated with lower levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B. However, it may also lead to slightly higher circulating triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Lower LDL cholesterol; Lower total cholesterol; Slightly higher triglycerides.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Elevated LDL and Total Cholesterol Risk
This genotype is linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, though it may also result in lower triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Higher LDL cholesterol; Higher total cholesterol; Lower triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Typical Cholesterol and Lipid Profile
This genotype is associated with intermediate, typical levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Typical LDL cholesterol; Typical total cholesterol; Typical triglyceride levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The uncharacterized locus LOC105375199 is located adjacent to the MIR148A gene, which encodes microRNA-148a. This microRNA acts as a key post-transcriptional regulator of lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis. It directly targets the transcripts of critical proteins, including the low-density lipoprotein receptor and the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1. By modulating these targets, the microRNA controls how cells take up and export cholesterol. Consequently, genetic variations in this genomic neighborhood are strongly associated with circulating blood lipid levels.
Variant Impact: The rs4722551 variant is located in the regulatory promoter region of the MIR148A gene. This genetic change influences the expression of mature microRNA-148a, thereby altering the repression of its target genes involved in lipid clearance. Changes in microRNA levels modify the abundance of the LDL receptor on liver cells, directly affecting how much cholesterol is cleared from the blood. Large-scale genetic studies have consistently linked this specific variant to variations in circulating cholesterol and triglyceride fractions. Furthermore, its impact on triglyceride levels has been shown to interact with markers of insulin resistance.
Key Insight: This variant acts as a genetic dial for microRNA-148a, which regulates how efficiently your liver clears LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream.
Location: MIR148A. Chromosome 7 · 7p15.2 · 26.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 75.9%; European 69.8%; African 90.8%; East Asian 95.4%; South Asian 78.4%; Americas 68.4%; Ashkenazi 78.8%; Finnish 58.4%; Middle Eastern 77.0%; Amish 54.9%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 22.0%; European 27.5%; African 9.0%; East Asian 4.6%; South Asian 20.3%; Americas 28.6%; Ashkenazi 19.9%; Finnish 36.1%; Middle Eastern 21.5%; Amish 38.4%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 2.1%; European 2.7%; African 0.2%; East Asian 0.1%; South Asian 1.3%; Americas 3.0%; Ashkenazi 1.3%; Finnish 5.6%; Middle Eastern 1.5%; Amish 6.7%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Lower LDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Higher Triglycerides.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Lower Cholesterol.
Apolipoprotein B. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32203549. Lower ApoB.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Macronutrient Metabolism
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 40545721. Lower Omega-3s.
Circulating Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Lower Fatty Acids.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Higher LDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Lower Triglycerides.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Higher Cholesterol.
Apolipoprotein B. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32203549. Higher ApoB.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 40545721. Higher Omega-3s.
Circulating Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Higher Fatty Acids.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Typical LDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Typical Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Typical Levels.
Apolipoprotein B. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32203549. Typical Levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 40545721. Typical Levels.
Circulating Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Typical Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Having two copies of the T allele is linked to a more efficient clearance of low-density lipoprotein from the bloodstream. This efficiency is driven by lower expression of microRNA-148a, which prevents the down-regulation of LDL receptors in the liver. As a result, circulating levels of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B tend to be lower. On the other hand, this genotype is associated with a modest increase in circulating triglycerides. This triglyceride-raising effect has been shown to interact with markers of insulin resistance. Overall, the reduction in LDL cholesterol is generally considered highly favorable for cardiovascular health.
Lower LDL cholesterol; Lower total cholesterol; Slightly higher triglycerides.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Having two copies of the C allele is associated with higher circulating levels of LDL and total cholesterol. This effect is thought to occur because the C allele increases the expression of microRNA-148a, which in turn reduces the abundance of LDL receptors on liver cells. With fewer receptors available, the liver clears LDL cholesterol from the blood less efficiently, leading to higher circulating apolipoprotein B. Interestingly, this genotype is also associated with lower circulating triglycerides. It is also linked to slightly higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Nonetheless, the overall increase in LDL cholesterol is a well-established risk factor that may warrant proactive cardiovascular wellness strategies.
Higher LDL cholesterol; Higher total cholesterol; Lower triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of each allele typically results in balanced microRNA-148a expression and average lipid clearance rates. Circulating levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B generally fall within the average range for the population. Similarly, triglyceride levels and overall fatty acid profiles are not significantly elevated or reduced by this variant alone. While other genetic and lifestyle factors will play a larger role in determining your actual lipid panel, this specific locus contributes a neutral, baseline effect. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise remains key to supporting healthy cardiovascular markers.
Typical LDL cholesterol; Typical total cholesterol; Typical triglyceride levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs139974673 · CATSPER2P1 Gene · Chr 15 · Triglyceride and Lipid Levels
rs59104589 · HDLBP Gene · Chr 2 · Cholesterol Levels
rs4418728 · CYP26A1 Gene · Chr 10 · Cholesterol and Lipids
Content updated August 2026.
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