A Mutation in the Myostatin Gene Increases Muscle Mass and Enhances Racing Performance in Heterozygote Dogs

A mutation within the genetic structure of the whippet species dogs has been found to be highly advantageous for the speed and strength of these racing dogs. The mutation originates in the myostatin (MSTN) gene results in a double-muscled phenotype which has been quantitatively linked to increased athletic performance. Individuals with this phenotype carry two copies of a two-base-pair deletion in the third exon of MSTN leading to a premature stop codon at amino acid 313. This study is the first to link a mutation in the myostatin gene to athletic performance. Further implications of this study should lead to the research of performance-enhancing polymorphisms and to the screening for myostatin mutations among elite athletes.