Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ is a member of nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. PPARγ,mainly expressed in adipose tissue, promotes differentiation of adipocytes and modulates the expression of many genes involved in synthesis of adipocytokines in adipose tissue. It is also the target molecule of the thiazolidinediones. The common polymorphisms of PPARγ may influence the function of pancreatic β-cell and result in the change of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity of peripheral tissue,and are associated with risks of type 2 diabetes,obesity,cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The elucidation of its mechanism could be of major importance in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for complex diseases.