What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL Cholesterol Levels: 8/10 evidence, 19 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Lower HDL Cholesterol Levels
Lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol are common with this genetic profile. It may also lead to slightly lower triglycerides and total cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Lower HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly lower triglycerides; Lower phosphatidylethanolamine levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher HDL Cholesterol Levels
Higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol are associated with this genetic profile. However, it may also lead to slightly higher triglycerides.
What this genotype means: Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly higher triglycerides; Higher phosphatidylethanolamine levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/C
Typical HDL Cholesterol Levels
Typical, intermediate levels of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are expected here. It represents a balanced genetic influence on lipid metabolism.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Typical triglyceride levels; Intermediate phospholipid levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LIPC gene encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme synthesized in the liver that plays a critical role in lipid metabolism [1]. This enzyme is responsible for converting intermediate-density lipoproteins to low-density lipoproteins, and hydrolyzing phospholipids and triglycerides in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) [2]. Through these actions, LIPC serves as a major determinant of plasma HDL cholesterol levels and overall lipoprotein structure [3]. Variations in this gene can significantly alter enzyme activity, leading to distinct lipid profiles and varying cardiovascular risk profiles across individuals [4].
Variant Impact: The rs4775041 variant is an intergenic genetic marker located near the LIPC gene on chromosome 15 [4]. This variant is strongly associated with variations in blood lipid levels, particularly HDL cholesterol and triglycerides [5]. It also influences the concentrations of specific cell membrane phospholipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, in the bloodstream [6]. Because of its proximity to LIPC, it serves as a key genetic tag for hepatic lipase activity and inherited lipid patterns [2].
Key Insight: Although the C allele raises protective HDL cholesterol, it also slightly increases triglycerides and total cholesterol, demonstrating the complex balancing act of lipid genetics.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 58.7%; European 49.6%; African 76.1%; East Asian 65.4%; South Asian 61.8%; Americas 60.0%; Ashkenazi 56.2%; Finnish 42.6%; Middle Eastern 52.5%; Amish 62.2%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 35.1%; European 41.6%; African 22.3%; East Asian 30.9%; South Asian 33.6%; Americas 34.9%; Ashkenazi 37.6%; Finnish 45.3%; Middle Eastern 39.9%; Amish 33.4%.
Estimated GC genotype frequency.
Global 6.2%; European 8.7%; African 1.6%; East Asian 3.7%; South Asian 4.6%; Americas 5.1%; Ashkenazi 6.3%; Finnish 12.1%; Middle Eastern 7.6%; Amish 4.5%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Lower HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Lower Triglycerides.
Phospholipid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Lower Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Cholesterol.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Higher HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Higher Triglycerides.
Phospholipid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Higher Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Cholesterol.
Showing effects for G/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Typical HDL.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Typical.
Phospholipid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Typical.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Two copies of the G allele are linked to reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as good cholesterol [1]. This reduction is driven by the influence of the nearby LIPC gene on hepatic lipase activity [2]. While lower HDL is generally associated with a less favorable cardiovascular profile, this genetic profile also correlates with lower circulating triglycerides [3]. Additionally, blood tests show lower levels of certain cell membrane phospholipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine [4]. Overall, the primary impact is a modest reduction in HDL cholesterol, which is a well-known marker for cardiovascular health assessments [5].
Lower HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly lower triglycerides; Lower phosphatidylethanolamine levels.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Two copies of the C allele are associated with significantly higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol [1]. This effect is mediated by genetic variation near the LIPC gene, which influences hepatic lipase activity and lipoprotein remodeling [2]. Higher HDL levels are widely recognized as a protective factor for cardiovascular health [3]. However, this genetic profile is also associated with slightly higher levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol [4]. Additionally, blood analyses reveal the highest levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and other key phospholipids [5]. Despite the slight rise in triglycerides, the substantial increase in HDL generally points to a more favorable lipid profile overall [6].
Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly higher triglycerides; Higher phosphatidylethanolamine levels.
Sample genotype: GC (Heterozygous)
A combination of one G allele and one C allele typically results in intermediate levels of both HDL cholesterol and triglycerides [1]. This heterozygous state represents a balance between the HDL-lowering effect of the G allele and the HDL-raising effect of the C allele [2]. Hepatic lipase activity is generally in the average range for individuals with this genetic profile [3]. Blood levels of phospholipids like phosphatidylethanolamine also tend to fall into the intermediate range [4]. Consequently, this genetic profile does not strongly skew cardiovascular risk in either direction based on this specific locus [5].
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Typical triglyceride levels; Intermediate phospholipid levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10468017 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · Cholesterol and Eye Health
rs1077834 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · Cholesterol and Liver Health
rs1077835 · LIPC Gene · Chr 15 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
Genetics meets metabolomics: a genome-wide association study of metabolite profiles in human serum.
Newly identified loci that influence lipid concentrations and risk of coronary artery disease.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Genome-wide association study of metabolic syndrome in Korean populations.
Content updated August 2026.
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