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J Appl Physiol 104: 1250, 2008; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00015.2008
8750-7587/08 $8.00
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Commentary on Viewpoint: Perspective on the future use of genomics in exercise prescription

TO THE EDITOR: Roth (2) concluded that genomic information could meaningfully impact on the clinical decision-making process predominantly in two of three scenarios. However, this conclusion is largely based on genetic association methods that have many limitations. In contrast, functional genomics approaches capture both genetic and environmental influences. Gene-network activation measures are an integrated signal that associates with physiological adaptation (1) in a manageable numbers of subjects for human physiological studies (3, 4). Implementation of personalized approaches is arguably most important for healthy subjects to maximize the effectiveness of preventative strategies. Functional genomics, rather than genetics, will herald in the age of personalized medicine for complex traits and, for example, allow us to prescribe tailored exercise therapy to maximize the benefits to those who can benefit from exercise, especially in scenario 1. However, I believe Dr. Roth highlights a critical issue; while aerobic training does not improve aerobic capacity in 20% of people, it will also not increase HDL in >30%. No systematic analysis allows us to be certain that a "nonresponder" for one trait does not cluster with a poor response for another. Also, not all parameters are equal; aerobic capacity links to mortality while other responses are not proven to be so important (yet). Ultimately, we have an obligation to ensure that any intervention (even exercise) is effective for the individual, and not just across a population. For the unlucky (not so small) minority, we may yet discover strategies for overcoming the molecular "limitations" that stifle physiological adaptation.

FOOTNOTES


Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: J. A. Timmons, School of Life Sciences, John Muir Bldg., Heriot-Watt Univ., Edinburgh EH3 5EA, UK (e-mail: j.timmons{at}hw.ac.uk)

REFERENCES

  1. Keller P, Vollaard NJB, Babraj J, Ball D, Sewell DA, Timmons JA. Using systems biology to define the essential biological networks responsible for adaptation to endurance exercise training. Biochem Soc Trans 35: 1306–1309, 2007.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  2. Roth SM. Viewpoint: Perspective on the future use of genomics in exercise prescription. J Appl Physiol; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01000.2007.[Free Full Text]
  3. Timmons JA, Jansson E, Fischer H, Gustafsson T, Greenhaff PL, Ridden J, Rachman J, Sundberg CJ. Modulation of extracellular matrix genes reflects the magnitude of physiological adaptation to aerobic exercise training in humans. BMC Biol 3: 19, 2005.[CrossRef][Medline]
  4. Timmons JA, Larsson O, Jansson E, Fischer H, Gustafsson T, Greenhaff PL, Ridden J, Rachman J, Peyrard-Janvid M, Wahlestedt C, Sundberg CJ. Human muscle gene expression responses to endurance training provide a novel perspective on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FASEB J 19: 750–760, 2005.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

James A. Timmons
 School of Life Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom





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