The ZNF202 gene resides in a chromosomal region linked genetically to low h
igh density lipoprotein cholesterol in Utah families. Here we show that the
ZNF202 gene product is a transcriptional repressor that binds to elements
found predominantly in genes that participate in lipid metabolism. Among it
s targets are structural components of lipoprotein particles (apolipoprotei
ns AIV, CIII, and E), enzymes involved in lipid processing (lipoprotein lip
ase, lecithin cholesteryl ester transferase), and several genes involved in
processes related to energy metabolism and vascular disease. Based on the
linkage and apparent transcriptional function of ZNF202, we propose that ZN
F202 is a candidate susceptibility gene for human dyslipidemia.