Genetics
CETP variants, an update: a review maps how CETP structure, animal models and SNPs shape lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk (Curr Pharm Des 2024)
Original title: Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Variations in Relation to Lipid Profiles and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update
A review of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), which transfers cholesteryl esters and triglycerides between plasma lipoproteins, reducing HDL-C while raising VLDL-C and LDL-C and thereby increasing cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. The authors cover the structure and mechanism of action of CETP, recent experiments in animal CETP-expressing models across different genetic backgrounds and external factors, and publications linking CETP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk, lifestyle, diet and therapeutic response. The authors argue CETP SNPs can serve as effective diagnostic markers, but that diet, lifestyle, sex and ethnic background all need to be factored into treatment decisions. A structural and genetic synthesis rather than new experimental data.
Original abstract
Lipid metabolism plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a crucial glycoprotein involved in lipid metabolism by transferring cholesteryl esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG) between plasma lipoproteins. CETP activity results in reduced HDL-C and increased VLDL- and LDL-C concentrations, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In this review, we discuss the structure of CETP and its mechanism of action. Furthermore, we focus on recent experiments on animal CETP-expressing models, deciphering the regulation and functions of CETP in various genetic backgrounds and interaction with different external factors. Finally, we discuss recent publications revealing the association of CETP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, lifestyle factors, diet and therapeutic interventions. While CETP SNPs can be used as effective diagnostic markers, diet, lifestyle, gender and ethnic specificity should also be considered for effective treatment.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.