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Genetics of athletic performance.

Elaine A Ostrander¹, Heather J Huson, Gary K Ostrander

¹Cancer Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. eostrand@mail.nih.gov

Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics

|July 28, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Genetic variations, known as performance enhancing polymorphisms (PEPs), influence athletic success. This review explores genes linked to athletic performance and their physiological impacts.

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Area of Science:

Genetics and Sports Science
Human Physiology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Elite athletic performance is influenced by multiple factors including training, diet, and genetics.
Genetic variations, or performance enhancing polymorphisms (PEPs), are natural differences in DNA that can affect athletic capabilities.
Family history of athletic success suggests a potential genetic component in sports achievement.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on genes and gene families associated with human athletic performance.
To describe the physiological effects of key genetic variants relevant to sports.
To explore potential future genetic discoveries and their implications for competitive athletics.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific studies on genetics and athletic performance.
Analysis of gene variants and their association with physiological traits.
Discussion of the mitochondrial genome's role in athletic capability.

Main Results:

Identified key genes and gene families implicated in athletic performance.
Described the physiological impact of specific performance enhancing polymorphisms (PEPs).
Highlighted the role of the mitochondrial genome in energy metabolism for athletes.

Conclusions:

Genetics plays a significant role in determining athletic potential.
Understanding performance enhancing polymorphisms (PEPs) can offer insights into elite athletic achievement.
Future research may uncover more genetic factors influencing sports performance, impacting training and talent identification.