WFDC11 rs143759668: What Your Genotype Means
Genetic variants like rs143759668 offer a window into the complex biological processes that regulate our blood chemistry. This specific variant in the WFDC11 gene has been statistically associated with variations in the levels of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) circulating in the human blood.
What each genotype means
Typical phospholipid transfer levels
This genotype represents the common genetic state at this location. Research indicates this variant is associated with variations in phospholipid transfer protein levels in the blood, but current evidence is limited and does not suggest a clinical condition. You should view this as a normal variation in your genetic profile.
This is the most common genotype observed in most global populations.
Varied phospholipid transfer levels
Carrying one copy of the variant allele is associated with differences in phospholipid transfer protein levels in the blood compared to the common genotype. The clinical significance of these levels remains under investigation, and this finding is not a diagnostic indicator of disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns about your blood chemistry.
This genotype is found at varying frequencies depending on ancestral background, though specific population-wide percentages are not currently established.
Varied phospholipid transfer levels
Carrying two copies of the variant allele is associated with differences in phospholipid transfer protein levels in the blood compared to the common genotype. As with the heterozygous state, the clinical implications of these levels are not fully understood and do not constitute a medical diagnosis. Discuss any concerns regarding your blood protein levels with your primary care provider.
This genotype is less common than the homozygous reference state in most studied populations.
Understanding rs143759668
The rs143759668 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the WFDC11 (WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain 11) gene. In genomics, a SNP represents a difference in a single DNA building block—a nucleotide—at a specific position in the genome. Located on chromosome 16, this variant is situated in a region of the genome that has been investigated for its role in lipid metabolism. Because it sits within a gene, researchers examine whether this change alters the protein produced by the body or affects how much of that protein is made. Currently, rs143759668 is classified as a trait-associated variant rather than a disease-causing mutation, meaning it is one of many factors that can influence biochemical markers in healthy individuals.
The Function of the WFDC11 Gene
The WFDC11 gene provides instructions for producing a protein that belongs to the WAP-type "four-disulfide core" family. Proteins in this family are typically involved in protease inhibition, which helps regulate various enzymatic processes in the body. While the exact biological role of WFDC11 is still being fully characterized by the scientific community, the gene is expressed in several tissues. Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), the molecule associated with this variant, plays a critical role in lipid metabolism by facilitating the transfer of phospholipids and cholesterol between different types of lipoproteins in the blood. Because genetic variations can sometimes influence the expression levels or efficiency of proteins like PLTP, scientists study WFDC11 to better understand how subtle genetic shifts contribute to the natural diversity in human blood lipid profiles.
Association With PLTP Levels
Research from the GWAS Catalog has identified rs143759668 as having a statistical association with the concentration of PLTP in the blood. In genome-wide association studies (GWAS), researchers compare the DNA of thousands of individuals to see if specific genetic variations correlate with measurable traits, such as blood protein levels. The evidence strength for this association is currently considered moderate. It is important to remember that such associations are based on population-level statistics and do not imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship for every individual. Many factors, including diet, lifestyle, other genetic variants, and environmental exposures, contribute to the regulation of blood lipids. Therefore, while this SNP is a piece of the puzzle, it represents only a small fraction of the biological machinery that maintains lipid homeostasis in the human body.
What This Information Means for You
When exploring genetic data, it is crucial to distinguish between scientific associations and clinical diagnostics. The association between rs143759668 and PLTP levels is a topic of ongoing research and is not currently used in routine clinical practice to diagnose or treat health conditions. You cannot determine your overall health status based on this single variant. If you have concerns about your blood lipid levels or cardiovascular health, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. They can order standardized blood tests to accurately assess your lipid profile and provide personalized guidance. Genetics is a powerful tool for discovery, but it should always be used as a supplement to, not a replacement for, clinical evaluation. Treat this information as an educational insight into the complexity of your biology rather than a medical instruction.
How common is this variant?
Data on the frequency of the rs143759668 variant across diverse human populations are currently limited, and there is no widely recorded consensus on its global distribution in major genomic databases.
Frequently asked questions
Does having this variant mean I have high cholesterol?
No, this variant is associated with the levels of a specific protein involved in lipid transport, not directly with clinical cholesterol diagnoses. Many lifestyle and genetic factors influence cholesterol, and this SNP does not replace the need for standard medical screening.
Can I use this SNP to predict my heart disease risk?
No, rs143759668 is a marker for a biochemical trait and is not a validated tool for predicting cardiovascular disease. Heart disease risk is complex and multifactorial; you should rely on established clinical assessments provided by your physician.
Where can I find more information about my specific genotype?
You can look up your genomic data in reports provided by your testing company, but always consult with a genetic counselor or healthcare professional. They can help put your results into the proper context and explain what current research actually says about your findings.
Is there a specific diet I should follow based on this gene?
There is currently no evidence-based dietary intervention tailored to the WFDC11 gene. Standard nutritional advice for maintaining healthy blood lipids remains the most reliable approach for the general population.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/1/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs143759668?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants in WFDC11
This variant is linked to 3-hydroxy-1-methylpropylmercapturic acid measurements.
This variant is associated with susceptibility to Parkinson disease.
This variant has been identified in studies regarding depressive symptom measurements.
This variant is associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol measurements.
This variant is associated with variations in elafin measurement in blood.
Rare missense coding variant within the whey acidic protein (WAP) domain gene WFDC11 evaluated for protein alteration and clinical classification.