Riddhi Guruzu

Genetics of High-Performance Athletic Performance

Started Jan. 24, 2024

Abstract or project description

Unquestionably, researchers agree that genetic makeup is crucial in determining athletic performance abilities. Previous research has evaluated various populations through genetic analysis and revealed patterns of inheritance linking specific genetic loci to improvement in performance. This research explored the candidate genes that allow enhanced athletic performance across various body systems, including the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. An evaluation of the most studied genetic hits from each body system, including ACE, BDNF, and EPOR, was explored. The mechanism of action of each genetic loci and the variation/mutation that impacts athletic performance were examined. The findings suggested that ACE, BDNF, and EPOR strongly influence mechanisms within the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems, respectively, enhancing athletic performance across different sports disciplines. This review also explores biological mechanisms, steroids, doping, neuro-modifications, and CRISPR, that can modify key biological substrates that underlie athletic performance in individuals. Beyond genetics, it is generally understood that athletic performance success is often unpredictable due to environmental factors that affect physiological, psychological, and motor characteristics. This, combined with the ethical considerations surrounding the modification of key biological substrates involved in athletic performance highlights the dynamic landscape surrounding this area of research and the translational impact of genetics research in the field of human performance.