What causes ACTN3?
What causes ACTN3?
ACTN3 is a gene that encodes for alpha-actinin-3, a protein expressed only in type-II muscle fibers (North et al., 1999). A common polymorphism in this gene is R577X (rs1815739), where a C-to-T base substitution results in the transformation of an arginine base (R) to a premature stop codon (X).
Where is the ACTN3 gene located?
The alpha actinin 3 (ACTN3) gene is located on chromosome 11. The alpha actinin 3 (ACTN3) gene is 16,489 base pairs and consists of 22 exons and 21 introns.
Is ACTN3 a mutation?
A single ‘super’ mutation could play an important part in how fast you run. When watching the Olympics games these next couple of weeks, you might see some “super” genetic mutations in action. We all have a gene called ACTN3, but certain variants of it help our bodies make a special protein called alpha-actinin-3.
What are power athletes?
Power athletes are individuals who train with high resistance muscle loads, including such sports as weight lifting, wrestling, body building, gymnastics, rock climbing, and ballet, among others.
Is being fast genetic?
A flurry of excitement about the idea of genes for athletics prowess took off in 2003 when Australian scientists found that a gene called ACTN3 has certain variants which may give the muscles of elite athletes a performance advantage. “But there is no single gene that accounts for speed and power, or for sprinting.
What does sprinter gene mean?
What is the ACTN3 Gene? The ACTN3 gene is specifically found in fast-twitch (type II) muscle fibers, which are in charge of producing forceful muscle contraction that are especially needed for sprinting and weight-lifting. The gene produces a protein that regulates the function of these fibers.
Is Usain Bolt genetically superior?
“Bolt is a genetic freak because being 6ft 5ins tall means he shouldn’t be able to accelerate at the speed he does given the length of his legs,” says former Great Britain sprinter Craig Pickering. Bolt typically completes a 100m race in about 41 steps – three or four fewer than his rivals.
Where is ACTN3 gene located?
chromosome 11
These bundles overlap each other, and their ability to slide past each other forms the basis of the theory of muscle contraction and relaxation. The alpha actinin 3 (ACTN3) gene is located on chromosome 11.
