Elucidation of exercise performance-related genes by whole genome sequencing of world elite sprinters and long distance runners

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H01872
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Sports science
• Research Institution: Juntendo University (2019-2020, 2022); National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (2018); Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology (2016-2017)
• Principal Investigator: Tanaka Masashi 順天堂大学, 大学院医学研究科, 客員教授 (60155166)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 全ゲノム塩基配列解析 / 持久走能力 / 骨格筋 / 心機能 / 機能的多型 / 骨強度

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The primary aim of the Athlome Project is to combine resources from individual studies and consortia worldwide to collectively study the genotype and phenotype data available on elite athletes, the adaptation to exercise training (in both human and animal models), and the determinants of exercise-related musculoskeletal injuries. Whole genome analysis of elite athletes is going to reshape our current understanding of the genetic basis of human performance and by association health-related fitness. This knowledge will help generate new solutions to modern-day health problems such as inactivity, obesity, and sarcopenia, all of which are at the opposite spectrum of the elite athlete phenotype. We present preliminary data on the whole genome sequencing analysis of Kenyan elite runners.

Free Research Field

ゲノム医学・スポーツ医学・ミトコンドリア学・老年学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

成人における肥満・メタボリック症候群は生活習慣病の予備軍として注目されているが、その予防には個人に適した運動処方と栄養処方が必要である。転倒・骨折は高齢者の生活の質を低下させ、介護負担を上昇させる。転倒・骨折に対する恐怖は、ひきこもり・うつ・認知能低下を誘発する。サルコペニア・フレイルの予防には、個人の特性に応じた適切な運動処方と栄養処方が必要である。運動による微細な筋損傷を修復する過程にも個人差・年齢差が存在するので、それぞれの高齢者の特性に応じた筋強化運動が必要である。これらの課題に対してアスリートの全ゲノム塩基配列解析は解決への道を拓く。