What is LCAT – rs2292318 and Why Does the Cardio Zoomer Test for It?

Cholesterol‑esterifying enzyme variant

rs2292318 is a common genetic variant in the LCAT gene, which encodes the enzyme that esterifies cholesterol on HDL particles. Knowing this variant helps explain individual differences in HDL function and cholesterol handling, adding genetic context to lipid and vascular markers.

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LCAT – rs2292318

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About LCAT – rs2292318

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About LCAT – rs2292318

Overview and History

LCAT (lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase) is a plasma enzyme that converts free cholesterol into cholesterol esters, a key step in HDL maturation and the transport of cholesterol away from tissues. LCAT belongs to the acyltransferase family and acts on lipoprotein surfaces, influencing HDL size and composition. rs2292318 is a single‑nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within or near the LCAT gene that has been studied in population genetics and lipid trait analyses. Research on variants like rs2292318 helps map inherited patterns that influence enzyme activity and common lipid measurements, offering mechanistic clues without implying a specific diagnosis.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

A genotype linked to reduced LCAT activity may be associated with lower rates of cholesterol esterification, altered HDL particle size or composition, and shifts in HDL‑related lab values. Conversely, a genotype associated with higher LCAT activity may correlate with different HDL profiles and esterified cholesterol proportions. Interpretation of either pattern requires integration with the Cardio Zoomer panel—lipid subfractions, ApoB, Lp(a), inflammation, and metabolic markers—to understand whether the genetic signal aligns with the person’s overall cardiovascular biology.

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Cardio Zoomer includes rs2292318 to provide inherited context for HDL biology and cholesterol processing. This variant helps explain why two people with similar cholesterol numbers can have different HDL function or lipoprotein patterns, supporting more personalized interpretation of lipid and vascular risk markers.

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LCAT – rs2292318 FAQs

What is LCAT – rs2292318 and why is it important?

rs2292318 is a common genetic variant in the LCAT gene. LCAT helps convert free cholesterol into esterified cholesterol on HDL particles, a step tied to HDL structure and function. Knowing this variant gives clinicians genetic context for unusual HDL or cholesterol patterns seen on blood testing.

What does it mean if my LCAT – rs2292318 levels are low?

For a genetic marker, “low” typically means your result carries the allele linked to lower LCAT activity. That pattern may be associated with less cholesterol esterification and altered HDL size or composition, which can change HDL‑related lab results. This finding is best interpreted alongside the full Cardio Zoomer profile and clinical information.

What does it mean if my LCAT – rs2292318 levels are high?

If your result carries the allele associated with higher LCAT activity, it may correlate with greater cholesterol esterification and different HDL particle characteristics. Elevated or reduced genetic activity is an association, not a standalone conclusion, and should be reviewed together with other lipid, inflammatory, and metabolic markers.

Why is this biomarker included in the Cardio Zoomer?

rs2292318 helps explain inherited variation in HDL function and cholesterol handling. Including it in Cardio Zoomer links genetic tendency to measured lipid patterns, aiding clinicians in distinguishing genetic drivers from acquired changes and in tailoring interpretation of the broader cardiovascular panel.

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