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Genes and elite athletes: a roadmap for future research
Nir Eynon1, Jonatan R Ruiz, José Oliveira
1Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University Center, Israel. eynon@wincol.ac.il
The Journal of Physiology
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Genetic factors significantly impact athletic performance and training responses. This review explores advanced methods for analyzing genetic profiles linked to elite athletic status, addressing current research gaps.
Area of Science:
- Sports Genetics
- Human Performance Genomics
Background:
- Genetic factors are strongly linked to physical performance, training response, and elite athletic status.
- Previous studies identified approximately 20 genetic variants associated with elite endurance athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce novel methodological approaches for analyzing genotype profiles related to elite athletic status.
- To highlight current limitations and suggest recommendations for future sports genetics research.
Main Methods:
- Genotype-phenotype association studies incorporating gene expression analysis.
- Analysis of post-transcriptional factors, including microRNAs.
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the development of 'genotype scores'.
Main Results:
- Identified key methodological advancements for future sports genetics research.
- Highlighted significant gaps in current knowledge, including sample size and ethnic diversity.
- Emphasized the need to consider epigenetics and gene-environment interactions.
Conclusions:
- Novel methods offer promising avenues for understanding the genetic basis of elite athletic performance.
- Addressing limitations such as sample size, ethnic diversity, epigenetics, and complex interactions is crucial for advancing the field.
- Recommendations are provided to improve the rigor and scope of future sports genetics studies.
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