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RNA biomarkers in antidoping.
Olivier Salamin1, Tiia Kuuranne1, Nicolas Leuenberger1
1Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Advances in Clinical Chemistry
|June 23, 2026
Summary
New RNA biomarkers offer a promising advancement for the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) in sports doping detection. Blood transcriptomics, using messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), enhances sensitivity beyond current methods.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomarker Discovery
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Traditional doping detection relies on exogenous substance identification, which is limited for pseudo-endogenous compounds like testosterone and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO).
- The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) was developed for longitudinal monitoring of biological responses, but faces limitations in biomarker repertoire and susceptibility to sophisticated doping strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore RNA-based biomarkers, specifically messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), as complementary tools to enhance the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).
- To assess the potential of blood transcriptomics and dried blood spots (DBS) for improving doping detection sensitivity and feasibility.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood transcriptomics, focusing on gene expression changes indicative of erythropoietic stimulation and blood manipulation (e.g., ALAS2, CA1).
- Investigation of dried blood spots (DBS) as a sample matrix for RNA biomarker analysis, evaluating its impact on collection, storage, and transport.
- Review of potential applications and necessary validation steps for integrating RNA biomarkers into anti-doping frameworks.
Main Results:
- Blood transcriptomics provides sensitive indicators of erythropoietic stimulation and blood manipulation in response to rhEPO and transfusion.
- Dried blood spots (DBS) offer a feasible method for RNA analysis, preserving RNA integrity while simplifying sample handling.
- RNA biomarkers show translational potential in equine anti-doping and clinical applications for anemia treatment.
Conclusions:
- RNA profiling, including mRNAs and miRNAs, represents a next-generation biomarker strategy to expand the ABP framework.
- Integration of RNA biomarkers can significantly improve the sensitivity and effectiveness of global anti-doping programs.
- Further validation, harmonization, and regulatory development are crucial for the successful implementation of RNA biomarkers in anti-doping.
