Abstract
Prior research has demonstrated a genetic basis for motivated exercise, with evidence of a role for nescient helix-loop-helix-2 (NHLH2/Nhlh2). Nhlh2 transcriptionally regulates the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) gene. This article examines the evidence for the hypothesis that polymorphisms in NHLH2 or MAO-A contribute to differences in the human motivation for exercise and physical activity. The genetic pathways that link exercise and motivation are discussed.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Acetylation
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Adolescent
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Animals
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics*
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Dopamine / metabolism
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Exercise / psychology*
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Female
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Genotype
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Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs / genetics*
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Humans
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Male
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Monoamine Oxidase / genetics*
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Motivation / genetics*
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Obesity / genetics
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Obesity / metabolism
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
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Receptors, Dopamine D1 / metabolism
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Sedentary Behavior
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Sirtuin 1 / metabolism
Substances
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
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DRD1 protein, human
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Receptors, Dopamine D1
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NHLH2 protein, human
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Monoamine Oxidase
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SIRT1 protein, human
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Sirtuin 1
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Dopamine