Genetical genomics of exercise and its application in personalized health care

International Conference and Exhibition on Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics

August 24-26, 2015 London, UK

Martin Fluck

Keynote: J Mol Genet Med

Abstract :

The inability to carry out physical work is a serious health risk for modern Western societies. Aerobic fitness and high muscle
power are associated with a reduced risk to develop chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, frailty and various forms of
cancer. Both traits essentially rely on functional reserves in skeletal muscle. On the one hand, this relevance is illustrated by
the close match of the surface area of capillary supply lines in skeletal muscle with whole body glucose transport capacity. On
the other hand, the capacity to circumvent fall-related injuries is closely related to muscle’s capacity for rapid and coordinated
force production.
This relationship has its basis in the fact that skeletal muscle’s functional capacity is to a pronounced degree conditioned
by physical activity. This is mediated through structural adjustment in muscle fibers and associated connective tissue and
capillaries in response to the impact of metabolic and mechanical stress. Genome-dependent regulation of adaptive processes
in striated muscle can be investigated at the molecular and cellular level and used to map their functional impact on muscle
and bodily health. Evidence is emerging that the response pattern of gene expression to exercise and medication reflects interindividual
variability in muscle plasticity and is importantly modified by genetic variations, as exemplified through small
nuclear polymorphisms.
With these developments, a personalized counselling of the best exercise intervention and exercise-drug interaction based
on the genome-based predictions of the effect on established clinical endpoints might soon become a realistic alternative to
reformed medicine. Clinical trials are en route to exploit these personal landmarks to tailor exercise and medical interventions
in order to maximize the individual responsiveness and benefit of cardio-rehabilitation. Once the proof-of-concept has been
provided, and the dose – effect relationship is established for prominent gene-exercise interactions of the patient, genetical
genomics of exercise may become an example for a realistic and sustainable systems approach to health care.

Biography :

Martin Fluck is the Professor for Muscle Plasticity located at the Balgrist Hospital of the University of Zurich. His research centers on the adaptive pathways
governing skeletal muscle function with specific focus on an integrative omics approach. He has published over 70 articles in peer reviews journal (H-index>24)
and has served as an Editorial Board Member of repute.