FST Polymorphisms Associate with Musculoskeletal Traits and Modulate Exercise Response Differentially by Sex and...

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Exercise Physiology
• Molecular Biology and Sports Science

Background:

• Investigating the relationship between Follistatin (FST) gene polymorphisms and musculoskeletal health.
• Examining how these genetic variations interact with structured exercise interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify associations between FST gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and baseline musculoskeletal traits.
• To explore gene-exercise interactions in response to a 16-week exercise program.
• To elucidate potential biological mechanisms underlying these associations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 470 untrained Northern Han Chinese adults (208 males, 262 females).
• Genotyping of FST SNPs (rs3797296, rs3797297) using MALDI-TOF MS or microarrays.
• Assessment of body composition, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and serum follistatin levels via DXA and other methods.
• In silico functional analyses for identified SNPs.

Main Results:

• In females, the rs3797297 T allele was linked to higher muscle mass and BMC at baseline.
• Exercise interventions improved body composition, especially in females.
• A significant gene-exercise interaction was observed in women: the rs3797296 G allele attenuated muscle mass gains during hill climbing.
• Functional annotation identified rs3797297 as a potential causal variant influencing muscle bioenergetics via NDUFS4.

Conclusions:

• FST gene polymorphisms are associated with musculoskeletal traits in the studied population.
• These genetic variations can influence individual responses to exercise interventions.
• Understanding these genetic associations and mechanisms may aid in optimizing personalized training programs.