Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 115, 7795 Cape Town, South Africa
Oconnell, K., Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Posthumus, M., Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Collins, M., Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 115, 7795 Cape Town, South Africa
Mutations in the type VI collagen gene (COL6A1) cause myopathy and muscle weakness. In addition, COL6A1 knockout mice were shown to have impaired running performance and reduced muscle strength. The COL6A1 rs35796750 polymorphism (IVS32-29 T/C) has been associated with complex phenotypes. The aim of this study was therefore to determine if this polymorphism is associated with performance during the 226km Ironman triathlon. Participants (n=661) were recruited during 4 South African Ironman triathlons. Finishing times for the 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run, and overall race were provided by the race organisers. All participants were genotyped for the COL6A1 rs35796750 polymorphism. Participants with the COL6A1 TT genotype were significantly faster during the bike (p=0.014) and overall race (p=0.030). When participants were grouped into fast, middle and slow bike finishing time tertiles, there was a significant linear trend for the TT genotype (Fast: TT=35.7%; Middle: TT=29.0%; Slow: TT=23.8%; p=0.008). No significant genotype frequency differences were observed for the swim or run of the triathlon. In conclusion, the COL6A1 gene is therefore a potential marker for endurance cycling performance. These effects may be mediated through changes to the composition of type VI collagen containing tissues, such as muscle and tendon. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
Col6a1 protein, human; collagen type 6; adult; article; athletic performance; bicycle; endurance; gene frequency; genetics; genotype; human; male; middle aged; physiology; running; single nucleotide polymorphism; swimming; Adult; Athletic Performance; Bicycling; Collagen Type VI; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Endurance; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Running; Swimming