A Genetic Basis for Motivated Exercise

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2015 Oct;43(4):231-7. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000057.

Abstract

Prior research has demonstrated a genetic basis for motivated exercise, with evidence of a role for nescient helix-loop-helix-2 (NHLH2/Nhlh2). Nhlh2 transcriptionally regulates the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) gene. This article examines the evidence for the hypothesis that polymorphisms in NHLH2 or MAO-A contribute to differences in the human motivation for exercise and physical activity. The genetic pathways that link exercise and motivation are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Monoamine Oxidase / genetics*
  • Motivation / genetics*
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D1 / metabolism
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Sirtuin 1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DRD1 protein, human
  • Receptors, Dopamine D1
  • NHLH2 protein, human
  • Monoamine Oxidase
  • SIRT1 protein, human
  • Sirtuin 1
  • Dopamine