Gene doping - The Battleground!

Telegraph Sport take a look at the front-line of drug-enhanced sport.By Simon Hart; Last Updated: 5:47PM GMT 15 Nov 2008

Myostatin - What is it?
A protein that inhibits muscle growth in animals and humans.
How can it benefit athletes?
If the gene responsible for myostatin is switched off, muscles will increase in size.
Does gene modification work?
Successful in trials on mice and dogs and set to go into commercial use as a veterinary treatment next year. Untested on humans but known to produce an immune reaction, so risky.
Can it be detected?
No, but researchers hope to find ways of testing for the virus used to deliver the gene.
IGF-1 - What is it?
Insulin-like growth factor 1, a natural protein that promotes muscle- growth and repair but declines with age.
How can it benefit athletes?
Over-production of IGF-1 will cause an increase in muscle mass and strength.
Does gene modification work?
Successful in animal trials but human application still being tested. Has to be injected locally into muscle because high levels in the bloodstream cause problems with other tissues.
Can it be detected?
Not without a muscle biopsy.
EPO- what is it?
A naturally occurring protein that produces red blood cells.
How can it benefit athletes?
A richer supply of oxygen-carrying blood cells reduces fatigue in muscles, which makes EPO so beloved of endurance athletes such as road cyclists and cross-country skiers.
Does gene modification work?
Offers prospect of permanent source of extra EPO rather than short-term burst. Trials on monkeys have had mixed results, with some producing dangerously high amounts of EPO and others developing immune responses. Very risky for humans at present.
Can it be detected?
Preliminary research suggests it will be detectable to drug-testers.

What if...genetically modified animals were allowed into sport?