Commentary on Viewpoint: Perspective on the future use of genomics in exercise prescription

Abstract

VIEWPOINTCommentary on Viewpoint: Perspective on the future use of genomics in exercise prescriptionJames A. TimmonsJames A. TimmonsPublished Online:01 Apr 2008https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00015.2008MoreSectionsPDF (28 KB)Download PDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesGet permissionsTrack citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInWeChat to the editor: Roth (2) concluded that genomic information could meaningfully impact on the clinical decision-making process predominantly in two of three scenarios. However, this conclusion is largely based on genetic association methods that have many limitations. In contrast, functional genomics approaches capture both genetic and environmental influences. Gene-network activation measures are an integrated signal that associates with physiological adaptation (1) in a manageable numbers of subjects for human physiological studies (3, 4). Implementation of personalized approaches is arguably most important for healthy subjects to maximize the effectiveness of preventative strategies. Functional genomics, rather than genetics, will herald in the age of personalized medicine for complex traits and, for example, allow us to prescribe tailored exercise therapy to maximize the benefits to those who can benefit from exercise, especially in scenario 1. However, I believe Dr. Roth highlights a critical issue; while aerobic training does not improve aerobic capacity in 20% of people, it will also not increase HDL in >30%. No systematic analysis allows us to be certain that a “nonresponder” for one trait does not cluster with a poor response for another. Also, not all parameters are equal; aerobic capacity links to mortality while other responses are not proven to be so important (yet). Ultimately, we have an obligation to ensure that any intervention (even exercise) is effective for the individual, and not just across a population. For the unlucky (not so small) minority, we may yet discover strategies for overcoming the molecular “limitations” that stifle physiological adaptation.REFERENCES1 Keller P, Vollaard NJB, Babraj J, Ball D, Sewell DA, Timmons JA. Using systems biology to define the essential biological networks responsible for adaptation to endurance exercise training. Biochem Soc Trans 35: 1306–1309, 2007.Crossref | PubMed | ISI | Google Scholar2 Roth SM. Viewpoint: Perspective on the future use of genomics in exercise prescription. J Appl Physiol; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01000.2007.Link | ISI | Google Scholar3 Timmons JA, Jansson E, Fischer H, Gustafsson T, Greenhaff PL, Ridden J, Rachman J, Sundberg CJ. Modulation of extracellular matrix genes reflects the magnitude of physiological adaptation to aerobic exercise training in humans. BMC Biol 3: 19, 2005.Crossref | PubMed | ISI | Google Scholar4 Timmons JA, Larsson O, Jansson E, Fischer H, Gustafsson T, Greenhaff PL, Ridden J, Rachman J, Peyrard-Janvid M, Wahlestedt C, Sundberg CJ. Human muscle gene expression responses to endurance training provide a novel perspective on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FASEB J 19: 750–760, 2005.Crossref | PubMed | ISI | Google ScholarAUTHOR NOTESAddress for reprint requests and other correspondence: J. A. Timmons, School of Life Sciences, John Muir Bldg., Heriot-Watt Univ., Edinburgh EH3 5EA, UK (e-mail: [email protected]) Download PDF Previous Back to Top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedInformationCited ByGenetics and sport performance: current challenges and directions to the futureRevista Brasileira de Educação Física e Esporte, Vol. 28, No. 1Defining a molecular portrait of physical fitness30 November 2012 | Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Vol. 405, No. 1Lack of Exercise Is a Major Cause of Chronic Diseases1 April 2012Variability in training-induced skeletal muscle adaptationJames A. Timmons1 March 2011 | Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 110, No. 3A transcriptional map of the impact of endurance exercise training on skeletal muscle phenotypePernille Keller, Niels B. J. Vollaard, Thomas Gustafsson, Iain J. Gallagher, Carl Johan Sundberg, Tuomo Rankinen, Steven L. Britton, Claude Bouchard, Lauren G. Koch, and James A. Timmons1 January 2011 | Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 110, No. 1Using molecular classification to predict gains in maximal aerobic capacity following endurance exercise training in humansJames A. Timmons, Steen Knudsen, Tuomo Rankinen, Lauren G. Koch, Mark Sarzynski, Thomas Jensen, Pernille Keller, Camilla Scheele, Niels B. J. Vollaard, Søren Nielsen, Thorbjörn Åkerström, Ormond A. MacDougald, Eva Jansson, Paul L. Greenhaff, Mark A. Tarnopolsky, Luc J. C. van Loon, Bente K. Pedersen, Carl Johan Sundberg, Claes Wahlestedt, Steven L. Britton, and Claude Bouchard1 June 2010 | Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 108, No. 6 More from this issue > Volume 104Issue 4April 2008Pages 1250-1250 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2008 the American Physiological Societyhttps://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00015.2008PubMed18385305History Published online 1 April 2008 Published in print 1 April 2008 Metrics