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Fundamental Concepts in Exercise Genomics

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Exercise Genomics

Part of the book series: Molecular and Translational Medicine ((MOLEMED))

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Abstract

This introductory chapter on Exercise Genomics outlines key terms and definitions for students, academicians, and professionals in kinesiology, public health, and sports medicine beginning to engage in work involving the genetic aspects of exercise science. Exercise genomics is the study of genetic aspects of exercise adaptation and performance. The topics included in this chapter are discussion of the human genome and basic aspects of DNA biology; gene sequence variation; contributions of environmental and genetic factors to trait variability; approaches to studying the genetic contribution to complex traits, including “unmeasured” familial aggregation and heritability approaches and “measured” linkage analysis and genetic association approaches; and genome-wide association studies. The chapter concludes by introducing emerging areas of investigation or more comprehensive approaches to the study of genetics including whole genome sequencing, functional genomics, epigenomics, and systems biology. When combined with Chap. 2, readers will have a strong foundation in the study of the genetic aspects of complex traits, preparing them for the more specific chapters dedicated to the various exercise- and health-related traits that are included in this book.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA

    Stephen M. Roth

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  1. Stephen M. Roth
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  2. Martine A. Thomis
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Correspondence to Stephen M. Roth .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Kinesiology, Human Performance Lab., University of Connecticut, 2095 Hillside Rd, U-1110, Storrs, 06269-1110, Connecticut, USA

    Linda S. Pescatello

  2. University of Maryland, Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, College Park, 20742-2611, Maryland, USA

    Stephen M. Roth

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Roth, S.M., Thomis, M.A. (2011). Fundamental Concepts in Exercise Genomics. In: Pescatello, L., Roth, S. (eds) Exercise Genomics. Molecular and Translational Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-355-8_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-355-8_1

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