What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Breast Cancer Risk: 4/10 evidence, 50 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Breast Cancer and Metabolic Risks
Two copies of the G allele are associated with lower circulating adiponectin levels. This reduction in adiponectin signaling is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular complications.
What this genotype means: Lower circulating adiponectin levels; Increased risk of breast cancer; Higher susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/T
Lower Breast Cancer and Metabolic Risks
One copy of the protective T allele is associated with intermediate adiponectin signaling. This genetic profile is linked to a slightly lower risk of breast cancer and improved metabolic health.
What this genotype means: Moderate circulating adiponectin levels; Slightly lower risk of breast cancer; Improved insulin sensitivity.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lowest Breast Cancer and Metabolic Risks
Two copies of the protective T allele are associated with higher adiponectin signaling. This genetic profile is linked to a significantly lower risk of breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular complications.
What this genotype means: Higher circulating adiponectin levels; Significantly lower risk of breast cancer; Reduced risk of cardiovascular complications.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The ADIPOQ gene encodes adiponectin, an essential hormone secreted by fat tissue that regulates glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown [1]. Adiponectin acts as a natural insulin sensitizer, helping cells absorb glucose efficiently and reducing inflammation throughout the body [2]. Higher levels of this hormone are generally protective against metabolic diseases, cardiovascular issues, and certain hormone-related cancers [3]. Conversely, reduced adiponectin expression is frequently observed in individuals with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes [4].
Variant Impact: The rs1501299 variant, also known as +276G to T, is a single nucleotide change located in an intron of the ADIPOQ gene [5]. This genetic variation influences the transcription and overall expression levels of the adiponectin hormone [6]. The G allele is associated with lower circulating adiponectin levels, whereas the T allele is linked to higher adiponectin levels and stronger signaling [2]. Consequently, this specific variant has been widely studied for its impact on metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers [3].
Key Insight: Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by fat cells that actually protects against metabolic disease and cancer, reversing the typical assumption that all fat-derived signals are harmful.
Location: ADIPOQ. Chromosome 3 · 3q27.3 · 186.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 49.0%; European 53.3%; African 41.0%; East Asian 51.2%; South Asian 60.9%; Americas 47.6%; Ashkenazi 49.3%; Finnish 47.3%; Middle Eastern 51.5%; Amish 55.4%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 41.8%; European 39.4%; African 46.1%; East Asian 40.7%; South Asian 34.3%; Americas 42.8%; Ashkenazi 41.8%; Finnish 43.0%; Middle Eastern 40.5%; Amish 38.0%.
Estimated GT genotype frequency.
Global 9.2%; European 7.3%; African 12.9%; East Asian 8.1%; South Asian 4.8%; Americas 9.6%; Ashkenazi 8.9%; Finnish 9.8%; Middle Eastern 8.0%; Amish 6.5%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cancer & Oncology
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 23624817. Increased Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 23653335. Increased Risk.
Heart Disease
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 22748670. Increased Risk.
Organ Systems
Liver Function & Disease
Fatty Liver Disease. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 23922565. Increased Risk.
Endocrine & Reproductive
Female Reproductive Health & Fertility
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 29629043. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for G/T genotype
Breast Cancer. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 23624817. Slightly Lower Risk.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 23653335. Lower Risk.
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 22748670. Typical Risk.
Fatty Liver Disease. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 23922565. Lower Risk.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 29629043. Lower Risk.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 22748670. Reduced Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Two copies of the G allele are associated with lower circulating adiponectin levels [1]. This reduced hormone signaling impairs glucose regulation and lipid metabolism, leading to a higher risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes [2]. Furthermore, lower adiponectin levels are linked to an increased susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [3]. Research indicates that this genotype is also associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women [1]. In diabetic populations, the G/G genotype is linked to a higher incidence of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular complications [4]. Maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle can help mitigate these metabolic risks by naturally boosting adiponectin levels.
Lower circulating adiponectin levels; Increased risk of breast cancer; Higher susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype: GT (Heterozygous)
One copy of the protective T allele is associated with intermediate adiponectin signaling [1]. This genetic profile helps maintain moderate circulating adiponectin levels, which supports healthy glucose and lipid metabolism [2]. Consequently, individuals with this genotype have a slightly lower risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes compared to those with the G/G genotype [3]. Research also shows a reduced risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related malignancies [1]. Additionally, this genotype is associated with a lower susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [4]. Overall, this genetic variation provides a moderate protective effect against metabolic and cardiovascular complications.
Moderate circulating adiponectin levels; Slightly lower risk of breast cancer; Improved insulin sensitivity.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Two copies of the protective T allele are associated with higher circulating adiponectin levels and stronger hormone signaling [1]. This robust signaling enhances insulin sensitivity, which significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes [2]. Furthermore, higher adiponectin levels are highly protective against the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [3]. Research consistently links this genotype to a reduced risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related cancers [1]. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, the T/T genotype is associated with a lower incidence of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular complications [4]. This genetic profile offers a strong natural defense against metabolic syndrome and its associated health risks.
Higher circulating adiponectin levels; Significantly lower risk of breast cancer; Reduced risk of cardiovascular complications.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2241766 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Breast Cancer Risk
rs266729 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Metabolic and Cancer Risk
rs17300539 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Metabolic Health Risk
ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis.
Relation between ADIPOQ Gene Polymorphisms and Type 2 Diabetes.
Content updated August 2026.
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