What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol Levels: 8/10 evidence, 6 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Cholesterol and Lipid Levels
Typical levels of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are expected. There is no genetically altered risk for metabolic syndrome from this variant.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline triglyceride levels; Typical risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Most Favorable Cholesterol and Lipid Profile
Higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol and significantly lower triglycerides are expected. This genotype is linked to the lowest risk of metabolic syndrome.
What this genotype means: Highest HDL cholesterol levels; Lowest triglycerides and LDL; Lowest risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Favorable Cholesterol and Lipid Profile
Slightly higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides are expected. This genotype is also associated with a slightly lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly lower triglycerides and LDL; Slightly lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The CETP gene encodes the cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which plays a central role in reverse cholesterol transport [1]. This protein facilitates the exchange of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to triglyceride-rich lipoproteins like very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) [1]. Through this exchange process, CETP activity naturally lowers circulating levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol while raising levels of LDL and triglycerides [1]. Consequently, genetic variations that reduce CETP expression or activity are of intense interest for their potential to optimize lipid profiles and protect against cardiovascular disease [2].
Variant Impact: The rs7205804 variant is an intron variant located within the CETP gene on chromosome 16. This genetic change influences the expression levels of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thereby altering the rate of lipid exchange in the bloodstream [1]. The minor A allele is associated with reduced CETP expression, which leads to a favorable shift in blood lipid concentrations [1] [2]. Specifically, carrying the A allele is linked to higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol alongside lower levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol [2].
Key Insight: Naturally occurring variations in the CETP gene mimic the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications designed to raise HDL and lower LDL.
Location: CETP. Chromosome 16 · 16q13 · 57.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 44.3%; European 31.1%; African 72.1%; East Asian 48.6%; South Asian 26.5%; Americas 43.1%; Ashkenazi 37.1%; Finnish 33.4%; Middle Eastern 38.9%; Amish 17.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 42.1%; European 49.3%; African 25.7%; East Asian 42.2%; South Asian 50.0%; Americas 45.1%; Ashkenazi 47.6%; Finnish 48.8%; Middle Eastern 47.0%; Amish 48.5%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 13.6%; European 19.5%; African 2.3%; East Asian 9.2%; South Asian 23.5%; Americas 11.8%; Ashkenazi 15.3%; Finnish 17.8%; Middle Eastern 14.2%; Amish 34.4%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
VLDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical Size.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38201907. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower.
VLDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Smaller.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38201907. Lower Risk.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Lower.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Lower.
VLDL Particle Size. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Smaller.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38201907. Slightly Lower Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Fasting lipid profiles are likely to fall within the typical range for the general population [1]. Lacking the protective minor A allele, this genotype is associated with standard baseline levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1] [2]. Triglyceride levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are also expected to be typical [1]. Standard cardiovascular risk management, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, remains the primary approach to maintaining heart health. There is no genetically reduced risk for metabolic syndrome associated with this common baseline genotype [3].
Typical HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline triglyceride levels; Typical risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Presence of two minor A alleles is associated with the most pronounced favorable shift in blood lipids [1]. This genotype typically leads to significantly higher levels of protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1] [2]. It also correlates with the lowest levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles [1] [3]. These lipid alterations create a highly favorable cardiovascular profile that naturally supports heart health. Furthermore, studies show a significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome for individuals with this genetic profile [4].
Highest HDL cholesterol levels; Lowest triglycerides and LDL; Lowest risk of metabolic syndrome.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
Presence of one minor A allele is associated with a favorable shift in circulating blood lipids [1]. This genetic pattern typically results in slightly higher levels of protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1] [2]. Simultaneously, it is linked to slightly lower levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles [1] [3]. These combined changes contribute to a more favorable overall lipid profile, which may offer mild cardiovascular benefits. Additionally, research indicates a slightly reduced risk of developing metabolic syndrome compared to the typical genotype [4].
Slightly higher HDL cholesterol levels; Slightly lower triglycerides and LDL; Slightly lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs12720922 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Cholesterol and Heart Health
rs1532624 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Lipid Levels and Statins
rs17231506 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Cardiovascular Health
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Very low-depth whole-genome sequencing in complex trait association studies.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Metabolic Syndrome in the Taiwanese Population.
Content updated August 2026.
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