The Potential Role of Genetic Markers in Talent Identification and Athlete Assessment in Elite Sport

Abstract

In elite sporting codes, the identification and promotion of future athletes into specialised talent pathways is heavily reliant upon objective physical, technical, and tactical characteristics, in addition to subjective coach assessments. Despite the availability of a plethora of assessments, the dependence on subjective forms of identification remain commonplace in most sporting codes. More recently, genetic markers, including several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been correlated with enhanced aerobic capacity, strength, and an overall increase in athletic ability. In this review, we discuss the effects of a number of candidate genes on athletic performance, across single-skilled and multifaceted sporting codes, and propose additional markers for the identification of motor skill acquisition and learning. While displaying some inconsistencies, both the ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms appear to be more prevalent in strength and endurance sporting teams, and have been found to correlate to physical assessments. More recently, a number of polymorphisms reportedly correlating to athlete performance have gained attention, however inconsistent research design and varying sports make it difficult to ascertain the relevance to the wider sporting population. In elucidating the role of genetic markers in athleticism, existing talent identification protocols may significantly improve—and ultimately enable—targeted resourcing in junior talent pathways.

Research Article Assessment of effects of the genetic polymorphisms on soccer athletes

“…The DD and ID individuals showed an increased potential for improved sporting performance. These findings are in agreement with other reports (Gineviciene et al, 2016;Ribas et al, 2017;Weyerstra et al, 2017;Jacob et al, 2018) and can be justified by the high degree of heterogeneity found in the Brazilian population (Santos et al, 2015).…”

“…Our study suggests that individuals with DD and ID genotypes are more predisposed to greater physical strength and power due to the presence of the D allele. Concordantly, our findings are in agreement with the studies made in Australia and Turkey (Ulucan et al, 2015;Jacob et al, 2018). In a Serbian study with female soccer players, there was a high prevalence of the DD genotype, suggesting that individuals with this genotype tend to perform better in soccer (Jeremic et al, 2019).…”

“…In a sporting context, according to Jacob et al, (2018), the frequency of I alleles presumably increases with racing distance elite Caucasian runners and swimmers. Therefore, the insertion allele appears to be an advantageous genotype for endurance sports.…”

“…The I allele, represented by a 287 bp insertion, has been consistently linked to endurance-orientated events, lower serum levels of ACE, and improved performance in endurance sports. The deleted form of the variant (D allele) has been associated with higher circulating and tissue ACE activity, promoting strength, and powerorientated performance (Nazarov et al, 2001;Micheli et al, 2011;Almeida et al, 2012;Jacob et al 2018).…”

Ethics, Genetic Technologies and Equine Sports: The Prospect of Regulation of a Modified Therapeutic Use Exemption Policy

“…International organisations overseeing breeding and racing of Thoroughbred racehorses have been hesitant to promote this use of genetic testing (EFTBA 2016), based on the validity of claims to genetic precursors of superior athletic performance (EFTBA 2016). Similar arguments are made in relation to humans for athletic aptitude (Roth (2012), Loland 2015, Webborn et al 2015, Jacob et al 2018. In equine sport, examples are given of a Melbourne Cup (long distance) winner whom it is reputed would, on the basis of genetic testing, be identified as suitable for sprinting, and of 'one of the best (sprinting) stallions in the world .…”