The ACTN3 RR genotype is over-represented in elite power athletes. The ACTN3 gene (location: 11q13.1) codes for a protein that serves as an important structural component of skeletal muscle fibers.

Michigan State University

The following short sequences of DNA have been used to identify chromosomes frequently associated with the  skeletal muscle structure and function of elite power athletes:
- ACTN3
- DMD
- COTL1
- MPRIP 
- CALCR
- MCT1
- IGF1
- IGF1R
- IGF2 
- CNTFR

Genetic Markers Associated with the Skeletal Muscle Structure and Function of Athletes

Maciejewska-Skrendo, A., Cięszczyk, P., Chycki, J., Sawczuk, M., & Smółka, W. (2019). Genetic Markers Associated with Power Athlete Status. Journal of human kinetics, 68, 17–36. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2019-0053

Genetic Markers Associated with Power Athlete Status (Reference)

ACTN3

A rare DMD rs939787 T allele is found to be overrepresented in strength/power athletes. DMD encodes a cytoskeletal protein called dystrophin.

COTL1 rs7458 T allele was in the group of SNPs that are correlated with power athlete status. COTL1 codes for a protein that regulates the actin cytoskeleton.

COTL1

 The MPRIP rs6502557 A allele was positively correlated with predisposition to strength and power sports, likely by influencing muscle contraction. The protein MPRIP codes for has been shown to mediate actin binding in vivo.

MPRIP Gene

The CALCR G allele of rs17734766 was associated with power athlete status. Calcium homeostasis is directly controlled by the receptor for the peptide hormone calcitonin, encoded by CALCR gene (location: 7q21.3). 

CALCR

MCT1 A1470T IS one polymorphism that influences athletic sprint-power performance. The MCT1 is prevalent in oxidative muscle fibers.

MCT1

The IGF1 rs35767 T allele occurs more frequently in the top-level power athletes. IGF1 codes for a protein that can induce hypertrophy of skeletal muscle and other target tissues 

IGF1 Gene

 Several SNPs of the IGF2 gene (rs3213221, rs680, rs7924316) are associated with loss of muscle strength directly after exertional muscle damage. Along with the IGF1 gene, the IGF2 gene (location: 11p15.5) codes for a protein that plays a pivotal role in skeletal muscle growth and differentiation.

 IGF2 Gene

The C/T substitution (rs41274853) in the CNTFR gene can influence sprint/power athletic status, with the TT variant being more common in power athletes. CNTFR codes for a protein receptor that, when activated, stimulates gene expression, cell survival, and differentiation in a variety of neuronal cell types.

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