What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol Levels: 9/10 evidence, 3 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Lipid Levels
Typical levels of HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol. This genotype represents the most common genetic profile.
What this genotype means: Standard hepatic lipase activity; Typical baseline lipid levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher HDL and LDL Cholesterol
Higher levels of both protective HDL and risk-associated LDL cholesterol. This genotype carries two copies of the lipid-elevating variant.
What this genotype means: Higher HDL cholesterol; Higher LDL and triglycerides.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Slightly higher levels of both protective HDL and risk-associated LDL cholesterol. This represents a balanced genetic influence on lipid transport.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher LDL and triglycerides.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LIPC gene encodes hepatic lipase, a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of circulating lipids and lipoproteins [1]. This enzyme is primarily active in the liver, where it hydrolyzes triglycerides and phospholipids in various lipoprotein particles [2]. By modifying these particles, LIPC helps regulate the balance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood [1]. Variations in this gene can alter enzyme activity, leading to changes in systemic lipid profiles and potentially influencing cardiovascular health [2].
Variant Impact: The rs6078 variant is a missense mutation in the LIPC gene that results in the substitution of the amino acid valine with methionine at position 95 of the hepatic lipase protein (p.Val95Met). This structural change is located in a region of the enzyme that can influence its catalytic activity and interaction with lipoproteins [1]. The minor A allele is associated with a general increase in several lipid fractions, including both protective HDL and risk-associated LDL cholesterol [1]. ClinVar assessments indicate that this variant is benign and does not cause severe hepatic lipase deficiency on its own.
Key Insight: The rs6078 variant presents a unique metabolic trade-off by simultaneously raising protective HDL cholesterol and risk-associated LDL cholesterol.
Location: LIPC. Chromosome 15 · 15q21.3 · 58.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 88.9%; European 94.1%; African 85.8%; East Asian 46.0%; South Asian 79.0%; Americas 89.8%; Ashkenazi 95.0%; Finnish 89.1%; Middle Eastern 98.0%; Amish 89.5%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 10.4%; European 5.8%; African 13.6%; East Asian 43.6%; South Asian 19.7%; Americas 9.9%; Ashkenazi 4.9%; Finnish 10.6%; Middle Eastern 2.0%; Amish 10.2%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 0.6%; European 0.1%; African 0.5%; East Asian 10.4%; South Asian 1.2%; Americas 0.3%; Ashkenazi 0.1%; Finnish 0.3%; Middle Eastern < 0.1%; Amish 0.3%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Higher.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Higher.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Higher.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Higher.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Standard hepatic lipase activity is typical for this common genetic profile, resulting in baseline lipid levels [1]. Typical concentrations of HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol are expected, without the genetic elevation associated with the A allele [2]. Because it represents the standard baseline, it does not inherently raise or lower cardiovascular risk compared to the general population [1]. Routine dietary and lifestyle factors remain the primary drivers of lipid health for this group [1].
Standard hepatic lipase activity; Typical baseline lipid levels.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Double copies of the lipid-elevating A allele result in the most pronounced changes in circulating lipids [1]. Standard lipid panels typically exhibit significantly higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol alongside elevated LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides [1]. This complex lipid signature means that while some markers suggest cardiovascular protection, others point toward increased risk [2].
Higher HDL cholesterol; Higher LDL and triglycerides.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the lipid-elevating A allele leads to a mixed or variable lipid profile [1]. Research indicates that carriers of this variant tend to have higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol, which is generally favorable [1]. However, this is accompanied by increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, which can elevate cardiovascular risk [2]. This dual effect represents a metabolic trade-off where both positive and negative lipid markers are elevated [1]. Standard lipid panels may show these concurrent elevations, reflecting a complex genetic influence on fat transport [1].
Slightly higher HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher LDL and triglycerides.
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
Dyslipidaemia-Genotype Interactions with Nutrient Intake and Cerebro-Cardiovascular Disease.
Content updated August 2026.
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