Are Athletic Genes Real?

The most recent estimates from researchers have determined that there are over 30,000 genes in the human body, along with over three billion DNA base pairs.

But what do all of these scientific terms and objective measures mean when looking at athletic genes? There has been a long-standing debate over whether the skills of Michael Jordan or the durable nature of Tom Brady are related to genetic dispositions.

Are you wondering if your athletic abilities, or lack thereof, have any relation to your DNA? Keep reading to learn more about genetics and how it relates to athletic performance.

What Are Genes?

Genes are truly one of science's last frontiers. There are still many unknowns when it comes to the finite details of the human body.

To understand DNA tests and genetic test results, it is helpful to know what exactly a gene is. Genes are what give people their physical appearance and affect many other characteristics, including disease risk and metabolic function. For example, genes determine a person's eye color, hair color, and height, as well as predispositions toward certain health conditions.

Some genes are clear in what they do, such as determining a dominant or recessive trait. Others are more complex and involve multiple interacting variants. For instance, the gene for Huntington's disease is more obvious than the genetic sequencing for why someone has migraines.

Recent Advances in Genetics

Each year, studies on genetics are leading to new insights and discoveries. Recently, the discovery of the epigenome has provided a greater understanding of how genes function and evolve.

The epigenome can attach to DNA strands and essentially control the instruction codes for genes. This discovery raises important questions about how the epigenome works in turning on or off certain genes.

While turning genes on and off is one characteristic of the epigenome, it also holds a much grander function. When an epigenome attaches itself to DNA, it holds the instruction manual that determines how the gene will respond to environmental factors.

For example, if someone smokes or is exposed to a disease, the epigenome changes. These changes affect the instruction manual and can cause lasting harm to existing genes, sometimes leading to mutations that get passed down through generations.

Are Athletic Genes Real?

Research suggests that genes play a role in someone's athletic ability anywhere from 30% to 80%.

There are two genes thought to play the largest role in athletic traits: ACTN3 and ACE. The ACTN3 gene works with fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are useful in athletic events that require power or speed.

Variants in the ACTN3 gene are suspected to have an association with endurance athletes. When a variant in the ACTN3 gene occurs, it reduces the amount of fast-twitch muscle fibers and leads to a greater amount of slow-twitch fibers. Slow-twitch fibers are ideal for long-distance runners, swimmers, or cyclists. The ACE gene and its variants also have close ties with the development and production of fast-twitch fibers.

It is impossible to know whether you have these variants without DNA testing. Testing gives a better understanding of the markers and sequencing of your genes.

Future Studies

The complexity of genetic sequencing results in difficulties when determining athletic traits. In most scenarios, there is not one definitive marker on a genome. In fact, there are usually dozens of markers that influence the development of traits.

Additionally, the majority of research on athletic genes has been conducted on small sample sizes and specific populations. More comprehensive studies are needed to confirm which variants are most predictive across diverse groups.

Environmental factors also play a significant role, including training, nutrition, sleep, recovery, immune system health, and overall genetic disposition, to name a few.

What Athletic Gene Testing Can Tell You

It is safe to say that athletic genes are not automatically indicative of someone becoming a professional athlete. There are indicators that some people are likely to excel in certain athletic feats more than others, but environment, training, and lifestyle are equally important factors.

Keep in mind that your environment is equally as likely to play a role as your genetic markers. Understanding both gives you the most complete picture.

Discover Your Athletic Genes With Sequencing

Sequencing's whole genome sequencing reads 100% of your DNA, giving you insight into your genetic athletic predispositions including muscle fiber composition, endurance capacity, recovery traits, and more. Through the Partner Marketplace, the Athletic Performance app by App MD is available for free and provides detailed athletic genetic analysis based on your sequencing data.

Order your whole genome sequencing kit today or upload your existing DNA data for free to get started.