Genetic Variant ARK2N Linked to Muscle Size and Strength in Athletes
Author Information
Author(s): Çığırtaş Rukiye, Bulgay Celal, Kazan Hasan Hüseyin, Akman Onur, Sporiš Goran, John George, Yusupov Rinat A., Sultanov Rinat I., Zhelankin Andrey V., Semenova Ekaterina A., Larin Andrey K., Kulemin Nikolay A., Generozov Edward V., Jurko Damir, Ahmetov Ildus I., Katsanos Christos, Wahli Walter
Primary Institution: Faculty of Sports Sciences, Bingol University
Hypothesis
Strength-related ARK2N gene expression is positively correlated with the proportion of type IIA muscle fibers and that functional variants within the ARK2N gene are associated with elite weightlifting performance and power-athlete status.
Conclusion
The ARK2N gene is associated with muscle fiber size and strength-athlete status, particularly in oxidative fast-twitch muscle fibers.
Supporting Evidence
- ARK2N gene expression was significantly higher in power athletes compared to endurance athletes.
- The ARK2N rs6507691 T allele was associated with a greater cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibers in strength athletes.
- ARK2N gene expression was positively associated with the proportion of oxidative fast-twitch muscle fibers in untrained subjects.
- The T allele of ARK2N rs6507691 was over-represented in world-class strength athletes compared to controls.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific gene, ARK2N, helps athletes have bigger and stronger muscles, especially those who do power sports like weightlifting.
Methodology
The study compared ARK2N gene expression in power and endurance athletes, analyzed muscle fiber composition, and investigated the association between the ARK2N gene variant and muscle fiber size.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific population of Turkish athletes and reliance on personal best performances as a proxy for athletic capability.
Limitations
The sample size of Turkish elite athletes was limited, focusing on a single polymorphism may overlook other genetic factors, and the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
The study included 60 Turkish track and field athletes (31 power athletes and 29 endurance athletes) and 20 healthy controls, all of Caucasian ancestry.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.042
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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