The link between genetics and sport

DNA Genes

The role of genetics

It is well known that genetics plays an important role in sports performance. Everything from height, power, stamina, weight, muscle power to injuries are all linked to genes and genetics of a person. Genes and DNA was a subject of research and we did not know a lot about our genes. How many genes do we have? What role do these genes play? How are we different from each other?

We know a lot more today thanks to the great research grants and very fast machines. Its time for genes and genetics to take its place in the sun. Today we know that genes have a key impact on human body composition and metabolism such as endurance, power, strength, muscle fibre size and composition, flexibility, neuromuscular coordination and temperament. Environmental factors like training, nutrition, motivation and lifestyle also play a role in sports performance.

Categorising genes

Let us get a little technical. Genes and sports can be divided into four broad sections. Genes for power and endurance. Genes for tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. Genes involved in recovery and genes involved in diet.

1) The Power and Endurance section tests genes that code for physiological factors such as circulation, blood pressure control, strength, cardiopulmonary capacity, mitochondrial synthesis, muscle fibre type specialisation (slow or fast twitch response), muscle fibre hypertrophy, cardiac output, muscle metabolism and adaptability to training regimes. The genes tested are: ACTN3 (the Power Gene), AGT, ACE, VEGF, BDRKB, ADRB2 Arg16Gly, ADRB2 Gln27Glu, NRF2, PPARGC1A, PPARA, TRHR, VDR, IL6. Lactate levels and lactic acid acumulation in a person’s body depends on MCT1 gene. Lung capacity or VO2max of a person depends on HIF1, ADRB1and APOE genes.

2) There are genes involved in structural and connective tissues in the body like bones, tendon, ligament and cartilage. Like bone strength is regulated by genes like WNT16, FAM3C, RANKL, QPCT and LRP5. Ligament strength is controlled by CLIP gene. Tendon strength is controlled by GDF5 and MMP3. Collagen is prepared in the body by COL1A1 and COL5A1 genes.

3) The recovery genes are the best example within this genetic panel of the need to integrate training and nutritional advice when supporting an athlete's health and fitness. The featured genes consider a person’s disposition to inflammation and free radical stress within the body, which may imply the need for more focussed nutritional support, along with extended recoveries between training repetitions and sessions. The genes tested for tendon pathology and recovery are GDF5, COL1A1, IL-6R, CRP, IL-6, TNF, SOD2

4) The Diet section tests genes that have an effect on fat absorption, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, exercise responsiveness, fat storage and inflammation. The genes tested for diet are: FTO T>A (the Fat Gene), FABP2 Ala54, PPARG Pro12Ala, ADRB2 Arg16Gly, ADRB2 Gln27Glu, APOA5 T>C, APOA2-265 T>C, MC4R T>C, TCF7L2 C>T, ADBR3 Trp64Arg, CLOCK T>C, PLIN G>A, TNFA – 308 G>A

This is just the beginning. There are many more genes that play a role in sports performance.