Sports authorities fear gene doping not far off

A race of technologies
In what amounts to a race of technologies, WADA and USADA are funding research programs aimed at spotting such genetic manipulation. The key, they say, is going to be the body’s “homeostasis,” its normal profile of physiological activity.

The body’s functions are complicated feedback loops. If one gene is overactive, other genes will react to compensate. “The point is, if you push in one place, something gives elsewhere and the job is to find that elsewhere,” Friedmann says. “There will be lots of them.”

Anti-doping authorities envision using a device called a gene chip, or a DNA microarray, custom designed for doping detection. The chip will feature a menu of genes most likely to be affected by altering other genes tied to performance enhancement, like EPO or growth hormone. Just as athletes give urine (and sometimes blood) that is then tested for the presence of certain doping drugs, athletes will give blood to be analyzed by the microarray technology. The DNA material on the chip will serve as canaries in the coal mine and squawk if genes are too active, or not active enough. These results will then be compared to historical profiles of the athlete’s genetic markers that have been established over time to see if something has changed.

According to Bowers, the anti-doping agencies hope to have such a system in place in time for 2008. There may be ways to circumvent even this system, though, by using technologies that will enable athletes to turn genes on and off for short periods. Still, says Bowers, “the hope is that we can identify good enough biomarkers, that even if you just turned it on or off to get benefit, that would, in fact, influence others down stream.”

Though Bowers is optimistic, both he and Friedmann admit there are many unknowns. Will such tests be scientifically and legally defensible? Will some other technology, like new doping drug regimens, slip behind the backs of the doping cops while they are preoccupied with genes? Will gene doping even be possible or will all the research and fretting be a waste?

Nobody can say for sure, but as long as athletes are willing to gamble, sports overlords have to gamble, too.

Brian Alexander, a California-based writer, recently covered the issue of drugs in sports for Outside magazine. He is also the author of the book "Rapture: How Biotech Became the New Religion."

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