Genomics literacy—what does it all mean?

Genomics is finding its place in medicine, from genetic testing for rare disorders to personalised medicine based on our genetic make up (see page 1517). However, the role of most of the genes in the human genome is still unknown.

A ‘snip’ is no longer just a glib term for vasectomy, because in genomics, an SNP (pronounced ‘snip’) is a ‘single nucleotide polymorphism’. SNPs are locations within the human genome where the type of nucleotide present can differ between individuals. You also need to know Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) from candidate gene study in the new world of ‘Omics’. Candidate gene studies test the validity of an ‘educated guess’ of one or more variants within the candidate gene in relation to a particular condition, for example, Achilles tendinopathy and the COL1A1 gene, which encodes for the α1(I) chain of type I collagen (see page 1497). They were predominantly used before testing of the whole genome became easily available. GWAS examine SNPs across the genome, looking for associations with particular conditions. Scanning the whole genome is a broad fishing expedition approach without any prior assumptions.

‘Omics’ technologies (figure 1) are aimed at the universal detection of genes (genomics), messenger RNA (mRNA) (transcriptomics), proteins (proteomics) and metabolites (metabolomics), with the contention that a complex system can be more easily understood if considered as a whole. Claude Bouchard reflects on the complexity of exercise genomics and how little we really know. The research to date has failed to adequately deliver results, but Bouchard shares a clear alternative view for future research.

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Figure 1

The ‘Omics’ cascade—from gene to metabolism (from Pitsiladis, et al1).

The ‘scienceploitation’ of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic testing for Talent ID

We need to be able to critically review information—another important reason for sport and exercise medicine to get to grips with the new world of ‘Omics’. Sequencing or genotyping is much cheaper now and therefore readily available, but the interpretation of results is still at an early stage. It is, in fact, open to what has been termed ‘scienceploitation’.

Researchers can be blamed for overemphasising the validity of research findings in the game of publication pursuit, which can be exploited for commercial purposes. We have recently seen the emergence of Direct-to-Consumer testing, for the purpose of talent identification and to assess potential for future sports performance, being sold to the unsuspecting public. ‘Pay $100–$200 and we will tell if you have a future champion on your hands’. There are nearly 40 companies, worldwide, offering analyses of saliva or buccal smear samples without counselling or consideration of the validity of the results or the impact of the report. Many will then offer the opportunity to buy their supplements to enhance training. The consensus agreement (from the researchers who performed the studies that these companies quote), is that, at present, DNA testing has no role. SEM physicians need to discourage any parent, child or coach from using these tests (see page 1486).

From the laboratory to the clinic—what role for genomics?

What is the role of ‘Omics’ in sport? How do we keep up with the essentials? We are practising in the age of personalised SEM; personal whole genome sequencing, personal health records and personal technological health applications (smart phones, etc). The world is getting smaller. This is good for partnerships forcing us to communicate and collaborate—with each other, with the research community and with patients.

There clearly needs to be a willingness to collaborate—to advance not only the science but also the translation to concrete guidelines for clinical SEM practice. New initiatives are required to address these deficiencies in our knowledge, and to develop practical and valid guidance for SEM. Professor Claude Bouchard highlights the danger of performing sports genetics research with limited subject numbers (see page 1492).

Large collaborative studies with appropriately phenotyped subjects, incorporating genome-wide approaches may be able to deliver some answers. In time, we may understand how to use this information to safely guide athletes. What is clear is that SEM practitioners in the 21st century need to engage in the genetics of sport, exercise and injury—now.