Gene doping: of mice and men

Clin Biochem. 2009 Apr;42(6):435-41. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2009.01.001. Epub 2009 Jan 20.

Abstract

Gene doping is the newest threat to the spirit of fair play in sports. Its concept stemmed out from legitimate gene therapy trials, but anti-doping authorities fear that they now may be facing a form of doping that is virtually undetectable and extremely appealing to athletes. This paper presents studies that generated mouse models with outstanding physical performance, by manipulating genes such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) or phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), which are likely to be targeted for gene doping. The potential transition from super mice to super athletes will also be discussed, in addition to possible strategies for detection of gene doping.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Athletic Performance*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Doping in Sports / ethics
  • Doping in Sports / methods*
  • Erythropoietin / physiology
  • Female
  • Genetic Therapy / ethics
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Genetic Therapy / trends*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / physiology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal*
  • PPAR delta / physiology
  • Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP) / physiology
  • Sports / ethics

Substances

  • PPAR delta
  • Erythropoietin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP)