What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Kidney and Cognitive Health: 6/10 evidence, 12 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Typical Cognitive and Kidney Function
This genotype is associated with standard baseline cognitive performance and typical kidney filtration rates. It also indicates a standard, predictable response to common immunosuppressant medications.
What this genotype means: Standard kidney filtration rates; Typical cognitive performance; Predictable response to immunosuppressants.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Slightly Higher Cognitive and Kidney Function
This genotype is linked to slightly improved kidney filtration and higher cognitive scores, alongside a minor increase in blood sugar markers. It also alters how the body responds to certain immunosuppressive drugs.
What this genotype means: Slightly improved kidney filtration; Slightly higher cognitive scores; Altered response to transplant medications.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Cognitive and Kidney Function
This genotype is associated with improved kidney filtration and higher cognitive performance, but also higher blood sugar markers. It significantly impacts the effectiveness of specific immunosuppressive medications.
What this genotype means: Improved kidney filtration rates; Higher cognitive performance scores; Altered response to transplant medications.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The IMPDH2 gene encodes inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2, a rate-limiting enzyme essential for the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides [1]. This biochemical pathway is highly active in proliferating cells, particularly activated T and B lymphocytes that drive immune responses [2]. Because of its central role in immune cell expansion, this enzyme is the primary target of immunosuppressive therapies used to prevent organ transplant rejection [3]. Beyond its immunological role, the enzyme is expressed in various tissues and contributes to general cellular metabolism and physiological maintenance [1].
Variant Impact: The rs11706052 variant is an intronic change located within the IMPDH2 gene. This genetic variation is associated with increased baseline activity of the IMPDH2 enzyme [1]. Elevated enzyme levels can reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressive medications like mycophenolic acid, which work by inhibiting this specific enzyme [4]. Consequently, immune cells may continue to proliferate even in the presence of therapeutic drug levels [2]. In addition to its pharmacological impact, this variant is linked to subtle variations in systemic biomarkers, including kidney filtration rates and cognitive performance [5] [6].
Key Insight: The same genetic variant that enhances cognitive performance and kidney filtration also makes certain critical transplant medications less effective.
Location: IMPDH2. Chromosome 3 · 3p21.31 · 49.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 85.6%; European 80.2%; African 95.6%; East Asian 92.5%; South Asian 88.2%; Americas 86.4%; Ashkenazi 76.9%; Finnish 78.5%; Middle Eastern 80.6%; Amish 83.4%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 13.7%; European 18.7%; African 4.3%; East Asian 7.3%; South Asian 11.4%; Americas 13.1%; Ashkenazi 21.6%; Finnish 20.2%; Middle Eastern 18.3%; Amish 15.8%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 0.7%; European 1.1%; African < 0.1%; East Asian 0.1%; South Asian 0.4%; Americas 0.5%; Ashkenazi 1.5%; Finnish 1.3%; Middle Eastern 1.0%; Amish 0.7%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Kidney Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical.
Neurology & Mental Health
Cognitive Performance
Cognitive Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40374629. Typical.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical.
Pharmacogenomics
Immunosuppressant & Biologic Response
Mycophenolate Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 18444945. Typical Response.
Azathioprine Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 26332308. Typical Response.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Kidney Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Improved.
Cognitive Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40374629. Slightly Higher.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher.
Mycophenolate Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 18444945. Higher Rejection Risk.
Azathioprine Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 26332308. Higher Toxicity Risk.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Kidney Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Improved.
Cognitive Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40374629. Higher.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Higher.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Baseline physiological markers for kidney health and cognitive performance are typical for this genotype. Large-scale genomic data from the UK Biobank links this genotype to standard creatinine levels and a typical estimated glomerular filtration rate [1]. Cognitive performance scores align with the population average [2]. From a pharmacological perspective, individuals with this genotype show a standard response to immunosuppressive therapies like mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine [3] [4]. Because the enzyme activity remains at baseline, these medications can effectively suppress lymphocyte proliferation to prevent transplant rejection [5]. There is no elevated risk of drug-induced toxicities or unexpected organ rejection associated with this specific genetic marker [3] [4].
Standard kidney filtration rates; Typical cognitive performance; Predictable response to immunosuppressants.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
Slightly enhanced kidney filtration and cognitive performance are characteristic of this genotype. Analysis of blood and urine biomarkers indicates a minor increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate and lower creatinine levels [1]. Cognitive assessments also show a slight positive shift compared to the baseline population [2]. However, there is a small associated increase in HbA1c levels, suggesting a minor influence on long-term blood sugar regulation [1]. In a transplant scenario, this genotype is associated with a higher risk of acute organ rejection when taking mycophenolate mofetil or cyclosporine [3] [4]. This occurs because the genetic variation increases enzyme activity, making it harder for these drugs to fully suppress immune cell proliferation [5].
Slightly improved kidney filtration; Slightly higher cognitive scores; Altered response to transplant medications.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Enhanced kidney filtration and superior cognitive performance are strongly associated with this genotype. Large-scale cohort data links this genetic profile to a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate and lower serum creatinine levels [1]. Cognitive function scores are also notably higher than the population average [2]. On the other hand, this genotype is associated with elevated HbA1c levels, which indicates a slight increase in long-term blood sugar markers [1]. In clinical pharmacology, this genotype presents a distinct challenge during organ transplantation. The increased activity of the IMPDH2 enzyme reduces the ability of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine to suppress immune responses, leading to an increased risk of graft rejection [3] [4]. Additionally, there is an increased likelihood of experiencing low lymphocyte counts when treated with azathioprine [5].
Improved kidney filtration rates; Higher cognitive performance scores; Altered response to transplant medications.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10224210 · PRKAG2 Gene · Chr 7 · Kidney Health and Gout
rs1047891 · CPS1 Gene · Chr 2 · Urea Cycle and Kidney Health
rs12509595 · FGF5 Gene · Chr 4 · Blood Pressure Risk
Genetics of 35 blood and urine biomarkers in the UK Biobank.
Association of four DNA polymorphisms with acute rejection after kidney transplantation.
Content updated August 2026.
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