The Functional Genome in Physical Exercise

Abstract

The genome is the key predictor of nearly all biological processes. Therefore, it is not surprising that the investigation of the genome as a predictor for physical performance remains the focus of research over the past 30 years. Starting with the investigation of short variations of the genes as predictor for physical performance and training adaptations, it was shown that polymorphisms can explain only a small percentage of the individual physical capacity. Thereafter, epigenetics became one of the key research fields in exercise physiology. This chapter will focus on the role of the functional genome determined by polymorphisms and epigenetics for health and performance. The interplay of physical activity/exercise and the functional genome will be explained for different tissue and organs with a specific focus to mechanisms of epigenetic regulation.