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Human gene for physical performance

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Abstract

A specific genetic factor that strongly influences human physical performance has not so far been reported, but here we show that a polymorphism in the gene encoding angiotensin-converting enzyme does just that. An ‘insertion’ allele of the gene is associated with elite endurance performance among high-altitude mountaineers. Also, after physical training, repetitive weight-lifting is improved eleven-fold in individuals homozygous for the ‘insertion’ allele compared with those homozygous for the ‘deletion’ allele.

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Figure 1: Association of ACE alleles with performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University College London Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Rayne Institute, University Street, London, WC1E 6JJ, UK

    H. E. Montgomery, R. Marshall, H. Hemingway & S. Myerson

  2. University College London Hospital, London, WC1E 6DB, UK

    P. Clarkson, C. Dollery & M. Hayward

  3. Centre for Human Sciences, DERA Farnborough, GU14 0LX, UK

    D. E. Holliman

  4. Royal Defence Medical College, HMS Dolphin, Gosport, PO12 2AB, Hampshire, UK

    M. Jubb & M. World

  5. Imperial College School of Medicine MRI Unit, London, W12 0HS, UK

    E. L. Thomas, A. E. Brynes, N. Saeed, M. Barnard & J. D. Bell

  6. Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Georges Hospital, London, SW17 0RE, UK

    K. Prasad

  7. Optimal Performance, Farnham, GU9 7EB, UK

    M. Rayson

  8. University College London Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics, Rayne Institute, University Street, London, WC1E 6JJ, UK

    P. J. Talmud & S. E. Humphries

Authors
  1. H. E. Montgomery
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  2. R. Marshall
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  3. H. Hemingway
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  4. S. Myerson
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  5. P. Clarkson
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  6. C. Dollery
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  7. M. Hayward
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  8. D. E. Holliman
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  9. M. Jubb
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  10. M. World
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  11. E. L. Thomas
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  12. A. E. Brynes
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  13. N. Saeed
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  14. M. Barnard
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  15. J. D. Bell
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  16. K. Prasad
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  17. M. Rayson
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  18. P. J. Talmud
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  19. S. E. Humphries
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Montgomery, H., Marshall, R., Hemingway, H. et al. Human gene for physical performance. Nature 393, 221–222 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/30374

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