In the past decade, gene therapy – inserting a snippet of DNA into cells to compensate for a missing or malfunctioning gene – has emerged as a promising treatment for conditions like muscular dystrophy and hemophilia. Now, athletes looking for an edge are eyeing the technology to speed healing, enhance muscle strength, and increase endurance. By manipulating their genes, they can boost the body’s own production of substances, like EPO, that past dopers have had to inject. That makes the cheating much harder to detect. Here’s a look at some of the substances that gene doping can produce and the potential for abuse by athletes.
Erythropoietin ++++ Already a popular enhancer in drug form, EPO is a hormone that tells the body to make more oxygen-toting red blood cells. For athletes, more red blood cells means increased endurance. But too much of the protein thickens the blood to sludge, leading to stroke or heart attack.
Growth factors ++ Insulin-like growth factor is a protein that bulks up muscles, even without exercise. The effect is local, so specific muscles can be targeted – biceps for a boxer, shoulders for a discus thrower. However, IGF could also promote tumor growth.
Myostatin blockers +++ Myostatin is a growth regulator that turns off muscle formation. By inhibiting it, an athlete can increase both the number and thickness of muscle fibers. But myostatin’s physiological purpose is unclear, and prolonged suppression may have unknown side effects.
Endorphins + Nature’s answer to Aleve, endorphins are small proteins that decrease muscle pain and inflammation caused by overexertion. With extra endorphins, athletes could perform better for longer periods. But pushing through the pain can result in serious injury.
(+ = abuse potential)
– Greta Lorge
Story Extras:
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The Doping Excuses Hall of Fame
Science of Human Enhancement
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The Righteous Fury of Dick Pound
Wired Enhance-athon
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