Authors: Saunders, C. J.¹; September, A. V.¹; Xenophontos, S. L.²; Cariolou, M. A.²; Anastassiades, L. C.³; Noakes, T. D.¹; Collins, M.

Source: Annals of Human Genetics, Volume 71, Number 6, November 2007 , pp. 777-781(5)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Summary

Alpha-actinins are major structural components of the Z-discs in skeletal muscle. Alpha-actinin 3 is encoded by the ACTN3 gene and is expressed only in type II muscle fibres. Homozygosity for the nonsense mutation, 577X, within ACTN3 results in deficiency of α-actinin-3 but does not result in an abnormal muscular phenotype. Previous research has found an association of the 577R allele with sprinting and/or power performance. It has also been suggested that the 577X allele may confer an advantage during endurance events. Four hundred and fifty seven Caucasian male triathletes who completed either the 2000 and/or 2001 226 km South African Ironman Triathlons, and 143 Caucasian controls, were genotyped for the R577X mutation within the ACTN3 gene. There were no significant differences in either the genotype (P = 0.486) or allele (P = 0.375) frequencies within the fastest, middle of the field or slowest Caucasian male finishers and the control population. In conclusion, the R577X polymorphism within the ACTN3 gene was not associated with ultra-endurance performance in the 2000 and 2001 South African Ironman Triathlons.

Keywords: alpha-actinins; athletic ability; skeletal muscle

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-1809.2006.00385.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa 2: Molecular Genetics Department B & Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus 3: Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus

Publication date: 2007-11-01

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Genetics
• By this author: Saunders, C. J. ;  September, A. V. ;  Xenophontos, S. L. ;  Cariolou, M. A. ;  Anastassiades, L. C. ;  Noakes, T. D. ;  Collins, M.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers