23andMe Tests NFL Players’ DNA for Athletic Genetic Factors

reuters.com - 10/13/09

Personal Genetics Company's Research Reported in ESPN
The Magazine's "Cheating is so 1999" - on Newsstands

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- 23andMe, Inc.,
an industry leader in personal genetics, conducted the genetic
analysis of both former and current NFL players, as well as
scientific controls, to investigate how genes impact athletic
performance. Over 100 players were recruited for the study,
the largest genetic examination ever conducted on professional
American athletes.  It was performed as a result of discussions
with senior writer Shaun Assael of ESPN The Magazine and the
Buck Institute and its president Jim Kovach, a former Saints
linebacker. The Buck Institute is recognized as the country's
leading independent research institute devoted to age research
and chronic disease. Results were reported by Assael in the
latest issue of ESPN The Magazine, on newsstands now.

Researchers at the Duke University Institute for Genome Sciences
& Policy, the Stanford University School of Medicine and 23andMe
teamed up with the Buck Institute to do the study.  In a "GWAS"
(Genome Wide Association Study) comparing NFL "pros" to "Joes,"
23andMe initially looked for variants associated with athletic
prowess using the players' raw genetic data obtained from
23andMe testing.  The study did not find the tested players
to be genetic outliers, suggesting that genetics may not be
a good predictor of athletic success. 

The researchers then investigated a specific list of genes
in the players associated with athletic ability and longevity,
including grip power, oxygen-carrying capacity and injury risk.
For example, mutations in the gene COL1A1 (which is responsible
for the manufacture of collagen, the protein that keeps ligaments
strong) have been associated with a reduced risk of ACL tears
in limited previous research.  Knowledge about an individual's
COL1A1 type could in the future allow athletes to better
understand their risk of knee injury.  

The genetic traits examined in the sample of NFL players are not
part of 23andMe's direct-to-consumer service, but speak to the
breadth of the genetic research the company is undertaking. 

"This was a unique opportunity to take on an innovative research
idea using our platform and working collaboratively with two
outstanding academic institutions, Duke and Stanford" said Anne
Wojcicki, President and Co-Founder.  "NFL players in addition
to all our customers contribute to our research platform and
help us make discoveries," Wojcicki continued.  "This study, our
Parkinson's Disease initiative, launched with the Michael J.
Fox Foundation and the Parkinson's Institute, and our Senior
Games Genome Project, coordinated with the National Center
for Senior Health and Fitness, are the first of what we hope
will be many divergent and exciting research projects at
23andMe.  We look forward to announcing more results soon."

About 23andMe
23andMe, Inc. is a leading personal genetics company dedicated
to helping individuals understand their own genetic information
through DNA analysis technologies and web-based interactive
tools. The company's Personal Genome Service(TM) enables
individuals to gain deeper insights into their ancestry
and inherited traits. 23andMe, Inc., was founded in 2006,
and the company is advised by a group of renowned experts
in the fields of human genetics, bioinformatics and computer
science. Its Series A investors include Genentech,
Inc., Google Inc. and New Enterprise Associates. More
information is available at www.23andme.com.

SOURCE  23andMe, Inc.

Rubenstein Communications:  Rachel Nagler, +1-212-843-8017,
rnagler@rubenstein.com, or Jane E. Rubinstein, +1-212-843-8287,
jrubinstein@rubenstein.com

DNAWellnessinfo.com Resource:
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS137884+13-Oct-2009+PRN20091013

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