Elite endurance athletes and the ACE I allele--the role of genes in athletic performance

Hum Genet. 1998 Jul;103(1):48-50. doi: 10.1007/s004390050781.

Abstract

Genetic markers that might contribute to the making of an elite athlete have not been identified. Potential candidate genes might be found in the renin-angiotensin pathway, which plays a key role in the regulation of both cardiac and vascular physiology. In this study, DNA polymorphisms derived from the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1) and the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2) were studied in 64 Australian national rowers. Compared with a normal population, the rowers had an excess of the ACE I allele (P<0.02) and the ACE II genotype (P=0.03). The ACE I allele is a genetic marker that might be associated with athletic excellence. It is proposed that the underlying mechanism relates to a healthier cardiovascular system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alleles
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / genetics*
  • Physical Endurance / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1
  • Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2
  • Receptors, Angiotensin / genetics
  • Reference Values
  • Sports / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1
  • Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2
  • Receptors, Angiotensin
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A