ME Research UK and the Daphne Jackson Trust award a Fellowship
ME Research UK and the Daphne Jackson Trust are delighted to announce that we have awarded a Fellowship to Dr Alkisti Manousaki, at the University of Leicester, for a project investigating the genetic and cellular clues that may explain why ME/CFS affects more women than men.
The Daphne Jackson Trust is dedicated to supporting research returners. This Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowship is jointly funded by ME Research UK and the Medical Research Council.
Initial results from ME Research UK-funded study on brain inflammation
Kiana Kothe is a PhD student, at the University of the Sunshine Coast, working with Professor Zack Shan on an ME Research UK-funded project using magnetic resonance imaging of the brain to investigate neuroinflammation in ME/CFS.
She recently presented some of her initial results at the annual conference of the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping, and very kindly recorded a video of her presentation for us, reporting altered levels of neurometabolites (small molecules in the brain). Watch video here.
DecodeME publishes pre-print results
Initial results from DecodeME’s genome-wide association study, exploring the genetics of ME/CFS, have been released prior to peer review. The study is led by Professor Chris Ponting of the University of Edinburgh and was funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research.
ME Research UK-funded researcher Dr Jarred Younger has recorded a 15-minute explanation of the study, covering background, methods, results, and importance.
Severe ME Day
On 8th August, ME Research UK marked Severe ME Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about severe myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). It also a day of remembrance of those who have lost their lives to this disease – one such individual being Sophia Mirza, a British artist, who passed away aged 32. Her death brought significant attention to the disease, hence her birthday – 8th August – was chosen to mark Severe ME Day.
Articles
Oxidative Stress in ME/CFS
A recent study explored bioenergetics (how cells produce and manage energy) in people with ME/CFS and long COVID, focusing on oxidative stress. The researchers found evidence of higher oxidative stress in ME/CFS and long COVID, whilst revealing important sex-specific differences.
Steroid hormones in ME/CFS
A team of researchers from Australia and Sweden carried out a small exploratory study considering the complex network of relationships between steroid hormones, and whether this may look different for people with ME/CFS.
SMPDL3B – potential biomarker and therapeutic target in ME?
Researchers from Canada and Norway investigated the SMPDL3B protein, important for cell structure and signalling, in individuals with ME. They found interesting differences compared to healthy controls, potentially linked with immune dysfunction in ME, and in-vitro experiments showed that gliptin medications helped reduce those differences. They suggest that SMPDL3B is emerging as a potential biomarker for disease severity and a therapeutic target in ME.
Other topics explored in August include mitochondria and ME/CFS, immune dysregulation in ME/CFS, the importance of replicating studies, and recommendations for health professionals supporting patients.
Christmas cards
Due to popular demand and to give ample time for card writing, ME Research UK has unveiled our 2025 Christmas Card collection! Explore our collection of eight unique designs, which are ready for purchase today.
Big Give Christmas Challenge – Pledge Today
The Big Give pledge phase has been extended to 11pm Sunday 7th September 2025, and ME Research UK is excited to announce that thanks to the generosity of supporters we have increased our Pledge goal to £19,500!
Last year’s Big Give funds were allocated to Dr Sarah Annesley’s current project looking at microRNAs in ME/CFS. All funds raised in the December 2025 Big Give will be invested in research. Pledge today.
Movement for Good – nominate ME Research UK
Did you know that more than 20% of winning charities from Benefact Group draws this year received 10 or fewer nominations? Nominate ME Research UK before 22nd September for a chance to win! It’s free and easy to do!
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