rs708272
Variant in the CETP gene (Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein)
rs708272 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CETP gene, involved in HDL metabolism. Variants at this position have been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the rs708272 variant?
rs708272 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the CETP (Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein) gene. It belongs to the Metabolism category and is part of the Mitochondrial & Metabolic biological cluster. CETP transfers cholesteryl esters from HDL to VLDL/LDL and triglycerides in the reverse direction. CETP inhibition raises HDL dramatically; common variants strongly affect HDL-C levels.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the CETP gene, which is involved in the HDL metabolism pathway. Genes within the Mitochondrial & Metabolic cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.
Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
rs708272 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CETP TaqIB (rs708272) and other variants significantly affect HDL levels. Low HDL in Long COVID is associated with worse outcomes; CETP variants affecting HDL concentrations may influence Long COVID cardiovascular risk and the anti-inflammatory HDL functions relevant to immune dysregulation.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: CETP
rs708272 is one of 3 known variants in the CETP gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View CETP gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs708272
Research into CETP variants including rs708272 has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply causation.
Genetic insights from DNA data
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include CETP and the rs708272 variant.
The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Other variants in the CETP gene
The following variants in CETP are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs708272 variant in the CETP gene?
rs708272 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the CETP (Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein) gene, which is involved in HDL metabolism. CETP transfers cholesteryl esters from HDL to VLDL/LDL and triglycerides in the reverse direction. CETP inhibition raises HDL dramatically; common variants strongly affect HDL-C levels.
How may the rs708272 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CETP TaqIB (rs708272) and other variants significantly affect HDL levels. Low HDL in Long COVID is associated with worse outcomes; CETP variants affecting HDL concentrations may influence Long COVID cardiovascular risk and the anti-inflammatory HDL functions relevant to immune dysregulation.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs708272 variant?
Many consumer DNA tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage genotype common SNPs. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Find out if you carry the rs708272 variant
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for CETP and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 28578556
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]New England Journal of Medicine