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Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Personality Traits and Athletic Performance

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A Special Issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067) belonging to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2026) | Viewed by 28997

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Dr. Kinga Huminska-Lisowska

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: human and sport genetic; psychogenetic determinants of physical activity; exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation; influence of physical activity on intestinal microbiota in athletes; molecular background of exercise-induced adaptation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and human behavior is critical to advancing our knowledge of personality traits and athletic performance. A complex web of genetic predispositions, epigenetic modifications, and environmental factors shapes these traits and abilities. This Special Issue explores these intricate relationships and sheds light on how genetic and epigenetic factors influence personality development and athletic performance.

Recent advances in genomic and epigenomic research have shown that genetic factors significantly influence athletic performance and personality traits. However, these traits are not controlled by single genes but by multiple genetic loci, each contributing modestly to the overall phenotype. The role of gene-gene interactions (epistasis) and gene-environment interactions further complicates this genetic landscape. In addition, epigenetic mechanisms, which regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, play a central role in modulating these traits in response to environmental stimuli such as exercise, diet, and psychological stress.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research that explores the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of personality traits and athletic performance. We encourage submissions that employ advanced methodologies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), and other approaches that explore genetic, epigenetic, and environmental data. Research exploring the genetic predispositions contributing to athletic excellence and the epigenetic and microbiota changes associated with physical training will be particularly relevant.

This Special Issue integrates insights from genetics, epigenetics, psychology, microbiota, and exercise science to advance our understanding of the biological underpinnings of personality and athletic performance. We hope that the presented findings will pave the way for personalized approaches to psychological assessment, athletic training, and human potential enhancement.

This Special Issue is supervised by Dr. Kinga Humińska-Lisowska, assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Aleksandra Bojarczuk (Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Poland).

Dr. Kinga Huminska-Lisowska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

genetics
epigenetics
personality traits
athletic performance
polymorphisms
microbiome
neurotransmitters
molecular mechanisms
metabolic health
injury susceptibility

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1586 KB

Open AccessArticle

8-Iso-Prostaglandin F2α and Lipoxygenase Gene Expression as Candidate Molecular Markers of Training Adaptation in Professional Volleyball Players: A Pilot Study

by Krystian Baran, Rafał Podgórski, Michalina Grzesik-Pietrasiewicz, Wojciech Czarny, Paweł Król, Julia Połeć, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia and Marek Cieśla

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(16), 7104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167104 - 8 Aug 2026

Viewed by 344

Abstract

Intensive training induces redox and inflammatory signaling that may facilitate adaptation but can also reflect excessive physiological strain. In this exploratory pilot longitudinal study, we assessed whether 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), a lipid peroxidation marker, and transcripts related to arachidonic acid lipoxygenase pathways change during a 10-week preparatory training period in elite female volleyball players. Twelve professional athletes were sampled at baseline after a training break and after training completion. 8-iso-PGF2α was quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the relative expression of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5), arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (ALOX12), and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) genes was measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in leukocytes and plasma-derived RNA. Training increased 8-iso-PGF2α from 0.06 [0.05–0.09] to 0.16 [0.08–0.22] ng/mL (p = 0.03). ALOX5 expression increased in leukocytes (0.80 ± 0.29 vs. 1.00 ± 0.29; p = 0.02) and plasma-derived RNA (0.03 [0.02–0.06] vs. 0.06 [0.05–0.11]; p = 0.04), whereas no statistically detectable pre-to-post changes were observed for ALOX12 and ALOX15 expression. Given the exploratory design and small sample size, these results should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. The observed changes suggest that 8-iso-PGF2α and ALOX5 are associated with physiological responses to preparatory training and exercise-induced lipid oxidative remodeling; however, their potential utility for monitoring training adaptation requires validation in larger, prospectively designed controlled cohorts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Personality Traits and Athletic Performance)

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27 pages, 2560 KB

Open AccessArticle

COMT and ACE (Epi)genetic Variation Is Associated with Cognitive and Metabolic Resilience in Swiss Tactical Athletes

by Martin Flück, Christian Protte, Marie-Noëlle Giraud, Eric Häusler, Regula Züger and Alain Dössegger

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031340 - 29 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Resilience to stress integrates cognitive, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to sustain performance under adversity. Genetic variation in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, rs4680) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, rs1799752) modulates dopaminergic and renin–angiotensin signaling, influencing tissue oxygenation and fatigue resistance. We examined COMT- and ACE-promoter methylation and genotypes in relation to resilience traits in Swiss tactical athletes (24.6 years) with a maximal power output of 534 W and 21,656 W, respectively, during cardiopulmonary exercise and elbow strike testing. At a 5% false-discovery rate, COMT genotype/methylation explained ~12% of the variance in cognitive performance and metabolic resilience, while ACE explained ~6–7% in strength-endurance and muscle resistance. Antidromic linear associations between COMT genotype and methylation with visual reaction time under reactive stress indicate opposing regulatory influences, best captured by regression models incorporating (epi)genetic covariates. The strongest methylation effects involved COMT promoter associations with muscle hemoglobin content across cardiopulmonary exercise zones (r = 0.43–0.58) and sport-specific strain (r = −0.46). COMT- and ACE-promoter methylation, correlated with time spent in the first aerobic training zone (r = 0.55 and 0.32), indicating environmentally responsive epigenetic modulation. These findings highlight neurovascular–metabolic coupling via dopaminergic and renin–angiotensin pathways as a key mechanism in stress adaptation. System-level adaptations in these pathways align with COMT and ACE (epi)genetic blood profiles, positioning them as candidate resilience biomarkers. Larger, preregistered studies with site-specific CpG analyses and mechanistic assays are needed to establish causal relevance and translational utility for resilience-informed performance optimization in high-stakes professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Personality Traits and Athletic Performance)

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16 pages, 690 KB

Open AccessArticle

Upregulation of HOTTIP and Its Potential Role in Monitoring Exercise Adaptation

by Agnieszka Mołoń, Dominika Podgórska, Artur Płonka, Wojciech Bajorek, Wojciech Czarny, Paweł Król, Rafał Podgórski and Marek Cieśla

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168086 - 21 Aug 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1361

Abstract

Athletic performance is modulated by a complex interaction of physiological, environmental, and genetic factors, with regular exercise triggering molecular changes that influence gene expression and tissue adaptation. Despite growing knowledge, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain only partially understood, highlighting the need for precise biomarkers to monitor training-induced physiological adaptations. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate cellular processes, including adaptation to physical exercise. Twelve healthy elite female volleyball players (mean age 27 ± 5.4 years) participated in the study. This study evaluated the expression of selected lncRNAs (SNHG4, SNHG5, PACERR, NEAT1, HIX003209, and HOTTIP) during a 10-week training program and evaluated their potential as biomarkers of training adaptation. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. LncRNA expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HOTTIP exhibited an increase in expression after training (over sixfold change, p = 0.009, adjusted p = 0.024) and demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.917), which improved to 0.97 when combined with creatine kinase. Other lncRNAs showed no significant changes, although a correlation between HOTTIP and SNHG4 was noted. HOTTIP is markedly upregulated following chronic exercise and, especially when combined with creatine kinase, shows promise as a molecular biomarker for monitoring training adaptation in elite female volleyball players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Personality Traits and Athletic Performance)

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31 pages, 1424 KB

Open AccessReview

Training Load Oscillation and Epigenetic Plasticity: Molecular Pathways Connecting Energy Metabolism and Athletic Personality

by Dan Cristian Mănescu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020792 - 13 Jan 2026

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1377

Abstract

Training adaptation involves muscular–metabolic remodeling and personality-linked traits such as motivation, self-regulation, and resilience. This narrative review examines how training load oscillation (TLO)—the deliberate variation in exercise intensity, volume, and substrate availability—may function as a systemic epigenetic stimulus capable of shaping both physiological and psychological adaptation. Fluctuating energetic states reconfigure key energy-sensing pathways (AMPK, mTOR, CaMKII, and SIRT1), thereby potentially influencing DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA programs linked to PGC-1α and BDNF. This review synthesizes converging evidence suggesting links between these molecular responses and behavioral consistency, cognitive control, and stress tolerance. Building on this literature, a systems model of molecular–behavioral coupling is proposed, in which TLO is hypothesized to entrain phase-shifted AMPK/SIRT1 and mTOR windows, alongside CaMKII intensity pulses and a delayed BDNF crest. The model generates testable predictions—such as amplitude-dependent PGC-1α demethylation, BDNF promoter acetylation, and NR3C1 recalibration under recovery-weighted cycles—and highlights practical implications for timing nutritional, cognitive, and recovery inputs to molecular windows. Understanding TLO as an entrainment signal may help integrate physiology and psychology within a coherent, durable performance strategy. This framework is conceptual in scope and intended to generate testable hypotheses rather than assert definitive mechanisms, providing a structured basis for future empirical investigations integrating molecular, physiological, and behavioral outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Personality Traits and Athletic Performance)

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50 pages, 636 KB

Open AccessReview

Dopamine in Sports: A Narrative Review on the Genetic and Epigenetic Factors Shaping Personality and Athletic Performance

by Kinga Humińska-Lisowska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111602 - 29 Oct 2024

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 19545

Abstract

This narrative review examines the relationship between dopamine-related genetic polymorphisms, personality traits, and athletic success. Advances in sports genetics have identified specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dopamine-related genes linked to personality traits crucial for athletic performance, such as motivation, cognitive function, and emotional resilience. This review clarifies how genetic variations can influence athletic predisposition through dopaminergic pathways and environmental interactions. Key findings reveal associations between specific SNPs and enhanced performance in various sports. For example, polymorphisms such as COMT Val158Met rs4680 and BDNF Val66Met rs6265 are associated with traits that could benefit performance, such as increased focus, stress resilience and conscientiousness, especially in martial arts. DRD3 rs167771 is associated with higher agreeableness, benefiting teamwork in sports like football. This synthesis underscores the multidimensional role of genetics in shaping athletic ability and advocates for integrating genetic profiling into personalized training to optimize performance and well-being. However, research gaps remain, including the need for standardized training protocols and exploring gene–environment interactions in diverse populations. Future studies should focus on how genetic and epigenetic factors can inform tailored interventions to enhance both physical and psychological aspects of athletic performance. By bridging genetics, personality psychology, and exercise science, this review paves the way for innovative training and performance optimization strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Personality Traits and Athletic Performance)

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