What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL Cholesterol: 9/10 evidence, 14 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical HDL Cholesterol Levels
This genotype is associated with baseline levels of HDL cholesterol and typical lipid metabolism. There is no inherited boost to HDL particle size or concentration from this specific genetic marker.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard HDL particle size.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Elevated HDL Cholesterol Levels
Carrying two copies of the G allele is associated with the highest levels of HDL cholesterol and larger HDL particle sizes. This genetic profile promotes highly efficient lipid transport and clearance.
What this genotype means: Significantly higher HDL cholesterol; Larger HDL particle size.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/G
Higher HDL Cholesterol Levels
Carrying one copy of the G allele is linked to moderately increased HDL cholesterol and larger HDL particle sizes. This profile may support more efficient lipid clearance and cardiovascular transport.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Slightly larger HDL particle size.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The APOC2 gene encodes apolipoprotein C2, a critical protein component of circulating lipid particles like very low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins [1]. This protein acts as an essential cofactor that activates lipoprotein lipase, the primary enzyme responsible for breaking down triglycerides in the bloodstream [1]. Genetic variations in this gene cluster, which also contains APOE and APOC4, are heavily involved in regulating blood lipid concentrations and cardiovascular health [2]. Large-scale genomic analyses have consistently linked this gene region to variations in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels across diverse populations [3].
Variant Impact: A coding sequence change within the apolipoprotein gene cluster on chromosome 19 defines the rs5167 variant [1]. This genetic variation is associated with significant alterations in human metabolic profiles, particularly affecting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism [2]. The minor G allele of this variant is linked to increased levels of HDL cholesterol and larger HDL particle sizes [2] [4]. These changes are thought to influence reverse cholesterol transport and overall cardiovascular risk profiles [1].
Key Insight: The G allele of this variant not only increases HDL cholesterol levels but also increases the physical size of HDL particles, making them more efficient at clearing lipids.
Location: APOC2. Chromosome 19 · 19q13.32 · 44.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 36.2%; European 41.2%; African 30.5%; East Asian 22.0%; South Asian 42.8%; Americas 32.7%; Ashkenazi 41.5%; Finnish 31.9%; Middle Eastern 46.7%; Amish 56.2%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 47.5%; European 46.0%; African 49.5%; East Asian 49.8%; South Asian 45.3%; Americas 49.0%; Ashkenazi 45.8%; Finnish 49.2%; Middle Eastern 43.3%; Amish 37.5%.
Estimated TG genotype frequency.
Global 16.3%; European 12.8%; African 20.0%; East Asian 28.2%; South Asian 12.0%; Americas 18.3%; Ashkenazi 12.7%; Finnish 19.0%; Middle Eastern 10.0%; Amish 6.2%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical Levels.
HDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical Size.
Cholesteryl Esters. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical Levels.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Macronutrient Metabolism
Circulating Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Increased Levels.
HDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Increased Size.
Cholesteryl Esters. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Increased Levels.
Circulating Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Increased Levels.
Showing effects for T/G genotype
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Two copies of the common T allele represent the standard genetic baseline for lipid metabolism at this locus [1]. No copies of the minor G allele are present in this profile, meaning there is no inherited boost to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1] [2]. Consequently, circulating levels of HDL and other key lipids remain at typical baseline concentrations [2] [3]. The physical size of HDL particles also tends to be average rather than enlarged [2]. Although this genotype lacks the lipid-enhancing effects of the G allele, it does not represent an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease on its own [1]. Most populations worldwide carry this standard genetic profile as their baseline. Focusing on standard lifestyle factors like diet and regular exercise is the most effective way to manage cardiovascular health for these individuals.
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard HDL particle size.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Homozygosity for the G allele maximizes the genetic influence on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism at this locus [1]. Two copies of this minor allele are strongly linked to the highest levels of HDL cholesterol and significantly larger HDL particle sizes [2]. These enlarged particles are highly optimized for clearing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream [2] [3]. Additionally, this genotype is associated with elevated concentrations of circulating cholesteryl esters and total lipoprotein particles [2] [3]. Such metabolic characteristics provide a highly favorable lipid profile that naturally supports cardiovascular wellness [1]. The risk of developing lipid-related vascular issues may be reduced due to this efficient clearance mechanism. This genetic profile represents a strong, natural metabolic asset for maintaining healthy blood lipid levels.
Significantly higher HDL cholesterol; Larger HDL particle size.
Sample genotype: TG (Heterozygous)
One copy of the G allele is associated with a beneficial shift in blood lipid profiles, characterized by higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1]. This genetic variation also correlates with an increase in the physical size of circulating HDL particles [2]. Larger HDL particles are generally more efficient at transporting cholesterol away from blood vessels and back to the liver [2] [3]. In addition to larger particle sizes, carriers of this genotype exhibit higher levels of circulating cholesteryl esters [2]. These metabolic changes suggest a highly active and efficient lipid transport system [1]. Cardiovascular health may be naturally supported by these favorable lipid metrics. This heterozygous profile is common across many global ancestries and offers a moderate metabolic advantage.
Moderately higher HDL cholesterol; Slightly larger HDL particle size.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1367117 · APOB Gene · Chr 2 · Cholesterol Levels
rs139974673 · CATSPER2P1 Gene · Chr 15 · Triglyceride and Lipid Levels
rs4722551 · MIR148A Gene · Chr 7 · Cholesterol Levels
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Genetic analyses of diverse populations improves discovery for complex traits.
A genetic map of human metabolism across the allele frequency spectrum.
Content updated August 2026.
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