What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Triglyceride Levels: 10/10 evidence, 29 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Triglycerides and Lower HDL Cholesterol
This genotype is associated with elevated blood triglyceride levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol. These changes can lead to a less favorable lipid profile and a higher risk of hypertriglyceridemia.
What this genotype means: Higher blood triglyceride levels; Lower HDL (good) cholesterol; Increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Favorable Triglycerides and Higher HDL Cholesterol
This genotype is associated with lower blood triglyceride levels and higher HDL (good) cholesterol. This combination supports a healthier lipid profile and a lower risk of cardiovascular issues.
What this genotype means: Lower blood triglyceride levels; Higher HDL (good) cholesterol; Reduced risk of hypertriglyceridemia.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Slightly Elevated Triglycerides and Lower HDL
This genotype is associated with slightly increased triglyceride levels and slightly lower HDL cholesterol. It represents an intermediate metabolic profile between the protective and higher-risk genotypes.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher triglycerides; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol; Intermediate VLDL particle levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: GALNT2 encodes polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2, an enzyme that initiates O-linked glycosylation of proteins [1]. This enzyme plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, and the development of fat cells [2]. By modifying specific target proteins, GALNT2 regulates how the body processes and clears circulating fats [3]. It also influences the activity of angiopoietin-like proteins, which are key regulators of lipoprotein lipase. Consequently, variations in this gene are heavily linked to blood lipid profiles and metabolic health [4].
Variant Impact: The rs4846914 variant is an intron variant located within the GALNT2 gene on chromosome 1. Although it does not change the amino acid sequence directly, it influences GALNT2 expression levels and downstream protein glycosylation [3]. This genetic change alters the clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles from the bloodstream [1]. Specifically, the G allele is associated with higher circulating triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol [5]. These changes are partly mediated by altered levels of ANGPTL3, a protein that regulates lipid-clearing enzymes.
Key Insight: The GALNT2 gene acts as a molecular tagger, adding sugar molecules to proteins to control how quickly your body clears fat from the bloodstream.
Location: GALNT2. Chromosome 1 · 1q42.13 · 230.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 34.7%; European 15.7%; African 74.3%; East Asian 59.2%; South Asian 33.6%; Americas 19.9%; Ashkenazi 15.2%; Finnish 21.2%; Middle Eastern 24.0%; Amish 13.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 41.1%; European 47.8%; African 23.8%; East Asian 35.5%; South Asian 48.7%; Americas 49.4%; Ashkenazi 47.6%; Finnish 49.7%; Middle Eastern 50.0%; Amish 46.8%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 24.2%; European 36.5%; African 1.9%; East Asian 5.3%; South Asian 17.7%; Americas 30.7%; Ashkenazi 37.2%; Finnish 29.1%; Middle Eastern 26.0%; Amish 39.3%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Elevated Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Lower Levels.
VLDL and Chylomicrons. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 36764567. Increased Particles.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Insulin Resistance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 33171515. Higher Risk.
Blood Cell & Iron Traits
Platelet Count. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Typical Count.
Hemoglobin Levels. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 35964923. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Higher Levels.
VLDL and Chylomicrons. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 36764567. Typical Particles.
Insulin Resistance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 33171515. Typical Risk.
Platelet Count. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Slightly Higher.
Hemoglobin Levels. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 35964923. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Slightly Elevated.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193044. Slightly Lower.
VLDL and Chylomicrons. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 36764567. Slightly Increased.
Insulin Resistance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 33171515. Slightly Higher Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the G allele is consistently linked to higher circulating triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol levels [1]. This effect is driven by altered O-glycosylation of key apolipoproteins, which impairs the body's ability to clear fat particles from the blood [3]. Individuals with this genotype also tend to have higher concentrations of chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles [4]. Furthermore, the G allele is associated with increased levels of ANGPTL3, a protein that inhibits lipoprotein lipase and raises blood lipids. In some populations, this genotype has also been linked to a higher body mass index and increased insulin resistance [5]. Maintaining a healthy diet low in refined carbohydrates and engaging in regular exercise can help manage these lipid levels.
Higher blood triglyceride levels; Lower HDL (good) cholesterol; Increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia; Higher VLDL and chylomicron particles.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the A allele is associated with the most favorable lipid profile at this locus [1]. Individuals with this genotype tend to have lower circulating triglycerides and higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol [2]. This protective effect is due to more efficient clearance of fat particles from the bloodstream [3]. The A/A genotype is also linked to lower concentrations of chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles [4]. Furthermore, this genotype is associated with lower levels of ANGPTL3, allowing lipoprotein lipase to actively break down fats. Some research also suggests a lower risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in individuals with this genetic profile [5]. Overall, these genetic factors contribute to a lower likelihood of developing hypertriglyceridemia [6].
Lower blood triglyceride levels; Higher HDL (good) cholesterol; Reduced risk of hypertriglyceridemia; Lower VLDL and chylomicron levels.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of the G allele and one copy of the A allele results in an intermediate lipid profile [1]. This genotype also shows a modest reduction in HDL cholesterol, which is the 'good' cholesterol responsible for clearing fat from arteries [3]. The presence of the G allele slightly increases the concentration of large VLDL particles and chylomicrons [4]. These lipid changes are linked to subtle differences in how the GALNT2 enzyme glycosylates target proteins [5]. Additionally, some studies suggest that carriers of the G allele may have a slightly higher susceptibility to insulin resistance depending on body weight [6]. Standard lipid panels can help monitor these intermediate levels over time. Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise remain highly effective in optimizing this lipid profile.
Slightly higher triglycerides; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol; Intermediate VLDL particle levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2144300 · GALNT2 Gene · Chr 1 · Blood Lipid Levels
rs11122450 · GALNT2 Gene · Chr 1 · Lipid Metabolism
rs10127775 · GALNT2 Gene · Chr 1 · Blood Lipid Levels
Biological, clinical and population relevance of 95 loci for blood lipids.
Common variants at 30 loci contribute to polygenic dyslipidemia.
A genetic map of human metabolism across the allele frequency spectrum.
Content updated August 2026.
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