What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL and Triglycerides: 10/10 evidence, 19 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Triglycerides and Smaller LDL Particles
Inheriting two copies of the C allele is linked to a less favorable lipid profile. Triglyceride levels tend to run higher, and LDL particles are often smaller and denser.
What this genotype means: Higher circulating triglycerides; Smaller, denser LDL particles; Elevated free cholesterol and VLDL lipids.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Slightly Higher Triglycerides and Smaller LDL Particles
Carrying one copy of the C allele is associated with a mild shift in lipid markers. Triglycerides may be slightly elevated, and LDL particles may be slightly smaller than average.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher triglycerides; Slightly smaller LDL particle size; Marginally elevated VLDL lipid fractions.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Favorable Lipid Profile and Larger LDL Particles
Carrying two copies of the T allele is linked to a highly favorable lipid profile. Triglycerides tend to be lower, and LDL particles are typically larger and less dense.
What this genotype means: Lower circulating triglycerides; Larger, more buoyant LDL particles; Typical free cholesterol and VLDL levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The PLTP gene encodes phospholipid transfer protein, a key regulator of lipoprotein metabolism in the bloodstream [1]. This protein is responsible for transferring phospholipids from very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) to high-density lipoproteins (HDL) [2]. Through this transfer, it actively reshapes and remodels HDL particles, influencing their size, stability, and overall concentration [2]. It also plays a role in the hepatic secretion of apolipoprotein B-containing particles [3]. Consequently, variations in this gene can alter the balance of circulating lipids and impact cardiovascular health [1].
Variant Impact: Located in the regulatory region of the PLTP gene, rs4810479 is a single-nucleotide variant that modulates gene expression and protein activity. The C allele is associated with lower PLTP activity, which alters the remodeling of cholesterol-carrying particles [1]. This reduction in activity leads to a shift toward smaller, denser LDL particles and higher circulating triglyceride levels [2]. Conversely, the T allele is linked to higher PLTP activity, promoting larger LDL particle sizes and a more favorable lipid profile [2]. These subtle changes influence how lipids are processed and cleared from the blood [1].
Key Insight: A single genetic letter shift near the PLTP gene can alter the physical size of your LDL particles, making them either larger and safer or smaller and more prone to arterial buildup.
Location: PLTP. Chromosome 20 · 20q13.12 · 45.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 11.7%; European 6.4%; African 15.8%; East Asian 37.9%; South Asian 22.5%; Americas 16.4%; Ashkenazi 7.3%; Finnish 7.2%; Middle Eastern 5.3%; Amish 4.1%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 42.4%; European 37.7%; African 47.9%; East Asian 47.3%; South Asian 49.9%; Americas 48.2%; Ashkenazi 39.5%; Finnish 39.3%; Middle Eastern 35.6%; Amish 32.2%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 45.9%; European 55.9%; African 36.4%; East Asian 14.8%; South Asian 27.6%; Americas 35.4%; Ashkenazi 53.2%; Finnish 53.4%; Middle Eastern 59.1%; Amish 63.7%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Levels.
LDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Smaller Particles.
Free Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Higher Levels.
VLDL Lipids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Higher Levels.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
LDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Slightly Smaller.
Free Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Slightly Higher.
VLDL Lipids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Slightly Higher.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical Levels.
LDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Larger Particles.
Free Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 34610981. Typical Levels.
VLDL Lipids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38448586. Typical Levels.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Higher Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Circulating lipids are highly influenced by the rate of phospholipid transfer in the bloodstream. Having two copies of the C allele reduces the activity of the PLTP protein, which slows down the remodeling of lipoprotein particles [1]. This slower processing is strongly associated with elevated triglyceride levels [2]. It also shifts the distribution of low-density lipoproteins toward smaller, denser LDL particles [3]. Smaller LDL particles are more easily oxidized and can more readily penetrate the arterial wall, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk [3]. Additionally, free cholesterol and VLDL lipid fractions tend to be elevated with this genotype [4].
Higher circulating triglycerides; Smaller, denser LDL particles; Elevated free cholesterol and VLDL lipids.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Intermediate levels of phospholipid transfer protein activity are typical for this heterozygous genotype. Carrying one C allele and one T allele results in a moderate reduction in PLTP-mediated lipid remodeling compared to the T/T genotype [1]. This moderate reduction leads to slightly higher circulating triglyceride levels [2]. It also causes a subtle shift toward smaller LDL particle sizes, which are slightly more prone to arterial retention [3]. Free cholesterol and VLDL lipid levels may also be marginally elevated [4]. However, these changes are generally mild and heavily influenced by diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle factors.
Slightly higher triglycerides; Slightly smaller LDL particle size; Marginally elevated VLDL lipid fractions.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Efficient lipid remodeling is a hallmark of the T/T genotype due to optimal PLTP protein activity. Having two copies of the T allele promotes robust phospholipid transfer between VLDL and HDL particles [1]. This efficient transfer is associated with lower circulating triglyceride levels [2]. It also shifts the low-density lipoprotein profile toward larger, more buoyant LDL particles [3]. Larger LDL particles are less likely to penetrate the arterial lining, which is generally considered protective against plaque buildup [3]. Free cholesterol and VLDL lipid fractions also tend to remain within typical, healthy ranges [4].
Lower circulating triglycerides; Larger, more buoyant LDL particles; Typical free cholesterol and VLDL levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs6065906 · PLTP Gene · Chr 20 · Cardiovascular Health
rs6073958 · PLTP Gene · Chr 20 · Blood Lipid Levels
rs6065904 · PLTP Gene · Chr 20 · Cardiovascular Risk
Large-scale candidate gene analysis of HDL particle features.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Genome-wide characterization of circulating metabolic biomarkers.
Content updated August 2026.
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