It's in your genes , How DNA Determines Talent, Lifestyle, and Success

 Genes will show whether a person has the ability for entrepreneurship, sports or art

Understanding the potential of your body, learning about innate entrepreneurial and athletic abilities, discovering hidden creative resources - all this already allows you to do DNA tests. True, geneticists are not yet sure how the results of such testing will reveal the future Elon Musk or Lionel Messi.

Even 10 years ago, the vast majority of Russians associated DNA tests with paternity and ancestry tests, says Vladimir Volobuev, co-founder and CEO of MyGenetics. And today, people already know that such testing allows you to assess the likelihood of developing hereditary diseases and potential health risks, including how many cups of coffee you can drink without harming yourself, or what regimen to train to lose weight. You can also identify propensities for various activities, for example, to understand whether a person will be successful in rowing or drawing, says a representative of the Genotek medical genetic center.

Producers of genetic tests interviewed by Vedomosti. City”, claim that interest in their services is growing due to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Many Russians have become more attentive to their health, nutrition and physical activity. They conduct genetic diagnostics to manage their health, experts echo. The number of tests implemented at Genotek in 2022 increased by 1.5 times compared to the previous year. Sales of MyGenetics increased by 5-7% last year. In the biomedical holding Atlas, the demand for microbiota tests (allows you to find out about the health of the intestine and the level of its protection from diseases) has increased by 25%, and for genetic studies of oncology - twice. Representatives of the companies spoke about this.

What will a DNA test reveal?

Today, dozens of Russian companies offer genetic testing: MyGenetics, Genotek, Atlas, Genoanalystika, etc. It goes like this: the client fills the test tube with his saliva, then the biomaterial is sent to the laboratory, where, using special equipment, its DNA sequence is deciphered, and after the results of the finished study are uploaded to the client's personal account.

Typically, the cost of a DNA test depends on the number of markers (genetic variants) being studied, the Vedomosti. City" experts. For example, the comprehensive test "Genetic Passport" in Genotek costs 14,804 rubles at the time of writing. It consists of five studies - origin, disease risks, drug efficacy, ability and character, nutrition. This test analyzes 650,000 of the 3 billion markers that exist in humans. In a separate test for the origin or definition of outstanding athletic ability (determined based on the presence of similar markers in professional athletes), fewer markers are analyzed. Its price is 7999 rubles. In a comprehensive genetic test from the Atlas company, which costs 9,899 rubles, 660,000 markers are examined. With its help, the client will also be able to determine the risks of diseases,

MyGenetics offers 12 tests - these are complex and individual studies that differ in the analyzed factors. For example, the MyWellness test costs 17,900 rubles. With its help, you can choose the optimal diet and physical activity, determine which forms of vitamins and dietary supplements are best absorbed, and set a safe rate for the body of caffeine and alcohol. And the MyNeuro test for 7900 rubles. will help, among other things, to determine the genetic risk of cognitive decline with age. Along with the test, all three companies offer a free consultation with a doctor or nutritionist.

Fascinating genetics

With the help of genetic tests, it is really possible to determine the most suitable sport for oneself, as well as to identify genetic factors that predispose to an increased likelihood of injury, says Irina Kolesnikova, Leading Researcher at the National Center for Genetic Research, Candidate of Biological Sciences. According to her, genes determine strength by about 70%, endurance by 65%, flexibility by 75%. In addition, they affect the anthropometric data of a person (height, limb length, etc.), as well as bone strength, hemoglobin levels and other indicators important for sports.

Success in sports or in the arts is far from being determined by genetics, says Ilya Kanivets, Candidate of Medical Sciences, geneticist at the European Medical Center. According to him, it will not be possible to achieve high results only due to predisposition, any talent needs to be developed. Also, you should not fanatically try to make a professional football player out of your child if the DNA test showed that the child has a predisposition to this sport. This can lead to psychological disorders of the child and parents, warns Kanivets. He is sure that such studies are rather entertaining.

The disease risk test does not establish a diagnosis, but allows you to find out which diseases the client has the greatest hereditary predisposition to. For example, one person with a certain set of genes is more likely to develop diabetes or osteoporosis than others, explains Kanivets. According to him, these are multifactorial diseases, the risk of which depends on the totality of genes, lifestyle, bad habits, professional activities, etc. But on the basis of the data obtained, the doctor can develop a personal diagnostic program (blood tests or simple functional studies) and in advance take measures to prevent diseases, says Irina Kolesnikova. For example, to detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is effective.

In addition, genetic tests are useful in planning children. They determine if future parents have genetic mutations associated with autosomal recessive diseases. Carriers of genetic mutations may not get sick, but pass the disease on to their child if both parents have a “defect” in the same gene. Based on these data, it is possible to calculate the risk of having a sick child and choose alternatives, among which, for example, artificial conception.