Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
Protein-Truncating Variants at the Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Gene and Risk for Coronary Heart Disease
Protein-truncating variants (PTVs) in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene are linked to improved lipid profiles and reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. This genetic insight may inform future CETP inhibition therapies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease
- Pharmacogenomics
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors have shown limited success in reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- Human genetic variants within the CETP gene offer a potential avenue to understand the efficacy of CETP inhibition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between protein-truncating variants (PTVs) in the CETP gene and plasma lipid levels.
- To determine if CETP PTVs are associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of CETP gene exons in 58,469 participants from 12 case-control studies.
- Definition of PTVs based on premature stop codons, splice site disruption, or frameshift mutations.
- Genotyping of a Japanese-specific PTV in an additional 27,561 participants.
- Statistical analysis of CETP PTV carrier status against plasma lipids and CHD risk.
Main Results:
- Approximately 1 in 975 participants carried a CETP PTV.
- CETP PTV carriers exhibited significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and lower triglycerides compared to non-carriers.
- Carrier status for CETP PTVs was associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Conclusions:
- Carriers of CETP PTVs demonstrate a more favorable plasma lipid profile, including elevated HDL-C and reduced LDL-C and triglycerides.
- The presence of CETP PTVs is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD).
- These findings highlight the potential role of CETP genetic variations in cardiovascular health and may offer insights for therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Transporters: P-Glycoprotein and Solute Carrier Transporters
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...

