What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Breast Cancer Risk: 5/10 evidence, 52 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical Breast Cancer Risk and Baseline Adiponectin Levels
Carrying two copies of the common T allele represents the baseline genetic profile. Adiponectin levels and overall cancer risks are typical for the general population.
What this genotype means: Typical breast cancer risk; Standard circulating adiponectin levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Lower Cancer Risk but Higher Diabetic Kidney Risk
Carrying two copies of the G allele offers protection against certain cancers but increases the risk of diabetic kidney complications. It is also linked to lower adiponectin levels.
What this genotype means: Lower breast cancer risk; Increased risk of diabetic kidney disease; Lower circulating adiponectin levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/G
Lower Breast Cancer Risk and Better Drug Response
Carrying one copy of the G allele is linked to a slightly reduced risk of breast cancer. It also correlates with an improved response to certain medications.
What this genotype means: Slightly lower breast cancer risk; Improved response to pioglitazone.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The ADIPOQ gene encodes adiponectin, an essential hormone secreted primarily by fat tissue [1]. This protein plays a critical role in regulating glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism [1]. It also exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and anti-tumor effects throughout the body [2]. Higher levels of circulating adiponectin are generally associated with better metabolic health and a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases [2]. Conversely, low levels are often observed in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers [2].
Variant Impact: The rs2241766 variant is a synonymous single nucleotide change in exon 2 of the ADIPOQ gene. Although it does not alter the amino acid sequence of the adiponectin protein, it can influence gene expression and mRNA stability [1]. This genetic variation has been widely studied for its impact on circulating adiponectin levels and metabolic traits [1]. The minor G allele is associated with altered adiponectin signaling and modified susceptibility to various health conditions [3]. It is particularly noted for its complex, dual effects on cancer risk and diabetic complications [3].
Key Insight: The G allele presents a unique genetic trade-off, lowering breast cancer risk while simultaneously increasing the risk of diabetic kidney complications.
Location: ADIPOQ. Chromosome 3 · 3q27.3 · 186.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 80.1%; European 78.8%; African 90.8%; East Asian 49.9%; South Asian 75.2%; Americas 66.5%; Ashkenazi 62.9%; Finnish 90.3%; Middle Eastern 54.0%; Amish 85.8%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 18.4%; European 20.0%; African 8.9%; East Asian 41.5%; South Asian 23.1%; Americas 30.1%; Ashkenazi 32.8%; Finnish 9.5%; Middle Eastern 39.0%; Amish 13.6%.
Estimated TG genotype frequency.
Global 1.5%; European 1.3%; African 0.2%; East Asian 8.6%; South Asian 1.8%; Americas 3.4%; Ashkenazi 4.3%; Finnish 0.2%; Middle Eastern 7.0%; Amish 0.5%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cancer & Oncology
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 32977760. Typical Risk.
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Diabetic Kidney Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 32685557. Typical Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Adiponectin Levels. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31807045. Typical Levels.
Pharmacogenomics
Diabetes Medication Response
Pioglitazone Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 25405601. Typical Response.
Endocrine & Reproductive
Pregnancy & Birth Complications
Preeclampsia Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 41077737. Typical Response.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Breast Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 32977760. Lower Risk.
Diabetic Kidney Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 32685557. ~1.5x Increased Risk.
Adiponectin Levels. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31807045. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for T/G genotype
Breast Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 32977760. Slightly Lower Risk.
Adiponectin Levels. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31807045. Slightly Lower.
Pioglitazone Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 25405601. Stronger Response.
Preeclampsia Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 41077737. Stronger Response.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the T allele is the most common genetic profile globally, representing the baseline for adiponectin-related traits. Individuals with this genotype typically exhibit standard circulating adiponectin levels and average insulin sensitivity [1]. Research indicates that this baseline profile is associated with typical risks for breast, colorectal, and other cancers [2]. However, it does not offer the mild protective advantages against certain malignancies observed with the G allele [2]. In metabolic contexts, this genotype is linked to standard responses to insulin-sensitizing medications like pioglitazone [3]. It also represents the typical baseline for diabetic kidney disease susceptibility [4]. Overall, health risks and drug responses remain at the population average.
Typical breast cancer risk; Standard circulating adiponectin levels.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the G allele presents a distinct genetic trade-off. On one hand, this genotype is associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer and other cancers [1]. On the other hand, it is consistently linked to lower circulating levels of adiponectin, which can impact metabolic health [2]. Meta-analyses have shown that individuals with this genotype have an increased susceptibility to diabetic kidney disease, particularly if they have type 2 diabetes [3]. There is also an associated increase in the risk of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in some populations [4]. Because of these opposing effects—protection against cancer alongside elevated metabolic and renal risks—this genotype represents a complex health profile. Monitoring metabolic health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are particularly beneficial for managing these risks.
Lower breast cancer risk; Increased risk of diabetic kidney disease; Lower circulating adiponectin levels.
Sample genotype: TG (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of the G allele is associated with several health and therapeutic advantages. Clinical studies suggest that this genotype correlates with a slightly lower risk of developing breast cancer and other malignancies [1]. This protective effect is thought to be mediated by altered adiponectin signaling pathways [1]. Additionally, individuals with this genotype often show a significantly better therapeutic response to the diabetes medication pioglitazone [2]. Research also indicates improved responsiveness to certain antihypertensive therapies, such as hydralazine and nifedipine, during preeclampsia [3]. While circulating adiponectin levels may be slightly lower than in those with the T/T genotype, metabolic risks generally remain stable [4]. This combination of traits offers a favorable balance of reduced cancer risk and enhanced drug efficacy.
Slightly lower breast cancer risk; Improved response to pioglitazone.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs266729 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Metabolic and Cancer Risk
rs1501299 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Breast Cancer Risk
rs17300539 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Metabolic Health Risk
ADIPOQ single nucleotide polymorphisms and breast cancer in northeastern Mexican women.
ADIPOQ rs2241766 Gene Polymorphism and Predisposition to Diabetic Kidney Disease.
Content updated August 2026.
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