Genetic Manipulation of Athletes: Stretching the Boundaries of Physical Possibilities

Genetic Manipulation of Athletes: Stretching the Boundaries of Physical Possibilities



In E25, we learned that genetic engineering is a collection of techniques used to isolate genes, modify genes for better functionality, and prepare genes to be inserted into a new species.

What is gene doping?

Gene doping is a practice coined in the sports realm for applying this genetic engineering concept to athletes. Now that regulators have closed the gap in uncovering steroid users, sports groups have taken a serious interest in gene doping. Potential targets for gene doping include the gene erythroprotein, or more commonly EPO. Manipulating this gene increases red blood cell production in patients with anemia and boosts oxygen delivery to the body. In athletes, this means boosts to stamina, which gives them a competitive edge.

Side Effects of Gene Doping

Athletes seeking an edge want better-than-normal blood oxygen. They could try adding the EPO gene with no controls. In healthy monkeys who received that treatment, blood became so thick with red blood cells that researchers had to bleed the monkeys to prevent heart failure and stroke. Eventually, the monkeys were euthanized.

Other Major Risks:

Cancer: Cancer can happen if a genetic modification unintentionally activates a cancer gene or inactivates a cancer-suppressing gene.

Gene doping can also affect an athlete’s immune system. His or her body might be unable to distinguish between self and non-self antigens, causing the body to attack the virus used to deliver the gene, the viral or bacterial genes themselves or the very protein meant to boost performance. The result could be mild, like a fever. But it could also be severe. Healthy monkeys died from severe immune reactions after "doping" with the EPO gene. The gene was injected into their muscles, which made a different EPO protein than the one naturally made in the liver. Since their bodies recognized the difference, their systems attacked both EPOs, and their bodies stopped making red blood cells.

Manipulating genes can also have adverse affects on gene actions. If the results of gene doping get into the wrong cell, cells can proliferate uncontrollably, making differentiation especially difficult. This could lead to tumor formation.