2011 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2011. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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Is there any way when I eventually have children to put DNA in them to make them a super athlete?
     David Bodine, M.D., Ph.D.: I currently investigate the genetics of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (PHSCs) to improve the effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation and to find better ways to use these unique cells for gene replacement therapy. I'm also studying diseases that interfere with the ability of the stem cells to differentiate into red blood cells. You could try, but it probably won't work all that well. There are studies in mice that show that a certain gene can make them bigger and stronger. There are single gene varients that help people make red blood cells or more muscle. But not all of them are great athletes. Great athletes are both made and born. You have to want to train and be dedicated. Look around your school. Are there some guys who are great athletes but do not work hard? I bet you can name some. The IAAF and other organizations are learning how to detect gene doctoring and several athletes have been busted. This technology will improve as time goes along.
Peru High School in IN (11th grade student)

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