Strongest genetics
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "strongest genetics"
Genetic Variability in Power Athletes: Strength vs. Speed
Genetic Markers in Power Athletes
Research has shown that genetic variability plays a significant role in determining the performance of power athletes, particularly in distinguishing between those excelling in strength-oriented events like weightlifting and those excelling in speed-oriented events like sprinting. Key genetic variants such as ACTN3 R577X, AGT Met235Thr, and PPARD T/C have been identified as influential. The ACTN3 RR genotype, associated with muscle contractions, is more prevalent among sprinters and jumpers (39.4%) compared to weightlifters (22.2%) and controls (18.6%)1. Conversely, the AGT Thr-Thr genotype, linked to muscle growth, is more common in weightlifters (25.9%) than in sprinters and jumpers (4.2%) and controls (12.8%)1. These findings suggest a genetic predisposition that enables athletes to excel in specific types of high-intensity efforts.
Histocompatibility Genes and Immune Response
Histocompatibility genes, such as those in the H-2 and H-3 loci, are crucial in determining the strength of immune responses, particularly in the context of organ transplantation. Strong histocompatibility genes cause prompt immune responses, leading to quicker rejection of transplanted tissues, while weaker genes allow for longer graft acceptance2. This variability in gene strength is essential for understanding and improving transplantation outcomes.
Genetic Enhancement and Human Performance
The debate around genetic enhancement, particularly in sports, revolves around the ethical implications of using genetic modifications to improve performance. The protein myostatin, which inhibits muscle growth, is a focal point in this discussion. Anti-myostatin drugs could potentially allow athletes to build extraordinary muscle mass, raising questions about the integrity of sports and the essence of human achievement3. The case of a German newborn with a myostatin mutation, resulting in exceptional muscle development, exemplifies the potential and controversy of genetic enhancement3.
Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease
Family history is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with genetic factors playing a role in at least 80% of cases. Rare mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are almost certain to cause early-onset familial AD, while common polymorphisms in the APOE gene influence susceptibility to late-onset AD4. The APOE ε4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic AD, whereas the APOE ε2 allele offers protection9. Understanding these genetic underpinnings is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Genetic Factors in Stroke Recovery
The STRONG Study has explored the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and stroke recovery outcomes. For instance, the BDNF val66met polymorphism is associated with poorer cognitive outcomes post-stroke, while a lower dopamine gene score correlates with higher depression levels5. These insights highlight the importance of genetic factors in individual recovery trajectories after a stroke.
Selection and Genetic Correlations
The strength of selection significantly influences genetic correlations between traits, impacting evolutionary responses. In large populations, genetic correlations remain unaffected by selection strength, but in smaller populations, stronger selection shifts the balance from genetic drift to selection-dominated dynamics6. This understanding is vital for studying genetic constraints on adaptation, such as during the colonization of new habitats.
Genetic Predictors in Disease Outcomes
In the context of infectious diseases, genetic polymorphisms can predict treatment outcomes. For example, IFN-λ3 polymorphisms are the strongest genetic predictors of hepatitis C virus infection outcomes and response to Pegylated interferon-based therapy10. However, their predictive value for hepatitis B virus infection remains controversial, indicating the need for further research.
Conclusion
Genetic variability plays a crucial role in various domains, from athletic performance to disease outcomes and evolutionary biology. Understanding these genetic factors can lead to more personalized approaches in sports, medicine, and beyond, while also raising important ethical and practical considerations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Genetic Variability Among Power Athletes: The Stronger vs. the Faster.
A specific genetic makeup may enable an athlete to excel in speed-oriented events (sprints) rather than strength-oriented events (weightlifting).
Observational StudySTRENGTH OF HISTOCOMPATIBILITY GENES *
Histocompatibility genes influence the survival of skin homografts, with strong genes causing prompt immune responses and weaker ones allowing longer graft acceptance on incompatible hosts.
The Strongest Boy in the World and Other Adventures in Genetics, The Case against Perfection
Genetic enhancement is not a threat to humanity, as we have been tinkering with our inner code for ages in agriculture and relationships, and enhancing human performance through conditioning and supplementation.
The genetics of Alzheimer disease.
Genetic factors play a role in at least 80% of Alzheimer's disease cases, with rare mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 accounting for early-onset familial AD and common gene polymorphisms influencing late-onset Alzheimer's disease susceptibility.
Highly CitedAbstract 151: Genetic Factors And Outcomes After Stroke: A Preliminary Analysis Of The Strong Study
The BDNF val66met polymorphism may be related to poorer cognitive outcomes after stroke, while a lower dopamine gene score may be linked to greater depression.
How does the strength of selection influence genetic correlations?
The strength of selection influences genetic correlations in finite populations, shifting the balance from drift-dominated to selection-dominated evolutionary dynamics.
Rigorous JournalConditional meta-analysis stratifying on detailed HLA genotypes identifies a novel type 1 diabetes locus around TCF19 in the MHC
A novel type 1 diabetes locus, around TCF19 in the MHC, has been identified using conditional meta-analysis stratifying on detailed HLA genotypes.
Rigorous JournalThe genetic consequences of selection in natural populations
Selection at the genetic level is generally weak but can occasionally be quite strong, with stronger effects observed over shorter timescales and at single-generation intervals.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAPOE and Alzheimer’s Disease: Advances in Genetics, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Approaches.
APOE 4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but no therapies targeting APOE are currently available.
Highly CitedSystematic review with meta‐analysis: do interferon lambda 3 polymorphisms predict the outcome of interferon‐therapy in hepatitis B infection?
Interferon lambda 3 polymorphisms may not accurately predict the outcome of interferon-therapy in hepatitis B infection.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal