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By Dr Tushar Chauhan October 15, 2022
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ACTN3 is the full name of Actinin alpha 3 or alpha-actinin 3, also known as the sprinter gene.
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The gene size is 16kb and is located on chromosome 11 at 11q13.2.
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ACTN3 encodes a protein alpha-actinin 3 which is expressed in type II fiber muscles. It produces powerful muscle contraction.
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High expression of the active copies of the ACTN3 gene results in better athletic performance, a study on the world’s faster runners suggests.
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A common ACTN3 candidate mutation R577X also affects athletic performance, research showed.
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Interestingly, studies showed that homozygous RR and XX conditions boost speed and power, respectively.
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Evidently, no clear genetic basis for athletic performance and/or fast running is yet established.
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Also, no drug/medicine/enhancer can elevate such a gene's expression and effect.
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