Along with Daniel Polasik and his colleagues from the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Poland, I was a co-author on a paper on a SNP in the promoter region of the equine PPARGC1a gene. The full paper can be found here but the Abstract of the paper is: The protein encoded by PPARCG1a gene is a key regulator of genes involved in energy metabolism. Numerous studies indicate that the PPARGC1a gene may be a good marker for athletic performance in horses. Therefore the a

Considering it is only 16 months since EQB, Inc. trumpeted that “(T)his year EQB adds DNA genetic profiling to its bag of tricks” we were rather surprised to receive an e-mail blast from them this week with the headline “DNA testing – re: state of the science (underwhelming).” Further reading revealed that the statement, which appears to blithely dismiss a whole field of scientific endeavor, is based on an article titled “ ’Moonshot’ Medicine Will Let Us Down” written by Mich

We were asked to pen a column for the International Thoroughbred magazine on some of our thoughts on using statistics and genetics in thoroughbred selection. It is somewhat similar to our post earlier in the week about the same subject. To read, either click here #PPARGC1a #SpeedGene #MSTN

A new study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology has outlined the benefits of exercising at low glycogen levels with cyclists. The key finding was that exercising with low glycogen levels amplifies the expression of the major genetic marker for mitochondrial biogenesis which may be beneficial for improving muscle oxidative capacity. Could we see a similar adaption in thoroughbreds? Here is a link to the study and the abstract is below. Recent studies suggest that car

Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute put out a release today about the protein PPARβ/δ and its role in athletic performance. Here is the release..... ORLANDO, Fla. -- Muscle performance and fitness are partly determined by how well your muscle cells use sugar as a fuel source. In turn, exercising improves the muscle's ability to take up sugars from the bloodstream and burn them for energy. On the flip side, conditions that reduce physical activity -- such as obesity or