ME Research-UK funded study – ME/CFS antibodies disrupt mitochondria in healthy cells
Prof. Bhupesh Prusty and his team have recently published results from their ME Research UK-funded study investigating how viral infections may influence the development of ME/CFS.
They found that immunoglobulins (or antibodies) from the blood of people with post-infectious ME/CFS caused disruption to the mitochondria of healthy endothelial cells. The mitochondria are responsible for generating energy in the cells of the body. We will present a more detailed look at these results in due course.
Let’s Talk SciComm podcast – Tina Katsaros
The latest episode of the Let’s Talk SciComm podcast features an engaging interview with Tina Katsaros, in which she talks about her PhD project on cellular energy abnormalities in ME/CFS, as well as the importance of communicating the results of scientific research. We are currently supporting Tina’s PhD research at La Trobe University, Australia.
On the theme of PhD research, this month occurred the third meeting of ME Research UK’s Researcher Circle – the charity’s initiative aimed at encouraging, supporting and facilitating the entrance and retention of early-career researchers in the field of ME/CFS.
Fundraising February
This February we have been spotlighting fundraising. Our fundraisers are so incredibly important and appreciated. Every event, every page, every pound raised – it all moves ME/CFS research forward.
Lately we have been working hard to make our fundraising more accessible. That is why we are happy to share our new resources. If you have ever thought about a bake sale, a challenge, or something completely your own, we have put together a simple guide to get you started.
We know that not everyone is able to fundraise – and that’s okay. Protecting your health and managing your energy must always come first.
Articles
Dysautonomia, Coxiella, and ME/CFS
Researchers suggest that Coxiella bacteria, commonly found in farm animals, may contribute towards the development of dysautonomia and ME/CFS. However, it is important to mention that correlation does not always equal to causation, and it is possible that other pathogens may also be at play.
Diagnosing ME/CFS
In case you are interested, we have a page on diagnosing ME/CFS. In addition to NICE criteria, this also includes links to other commonly used criteria such as Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC).
Other topics explored in February include vitamin D supplementation, mitochondrial dysfunction, antibody responses to herpesviruses, ME/CFS subgroups, Babesia and Bartonella infections, and Lyme disease.
Walk for ME!
ME Research UK is grateful once more to be chosen as one of two research-focused charities for 2026’s Walk for ME scheme. This supportive and inclusive initiative has raised over £220,000 for research since 2012.
As Walk for ME states – “The original idea behind Walk for ME was that friends, family and loved ones of an ME sufferer do a sponsored walk on their behalf: hence the name Walk for ME or Walk for me.” Participants can do other activities such as swimming or cycling at whatever length they feel comfortable with, whenever they choose.
Details on how to get involved.
Movement for Good 2026 – nominate ME Research UK
The Benefact Group Movement for Good is your chance to give your favourite charity the chance to win £1,000 and you can nominate more than one charity!
Be sure to nominate us this year as the draw has started afresh with no 2025 nominations being carried forward. Nominations are free and the more nominations ME Research UK receives the more chance we have to gain a donation in the random draw.
Help us make the breakthrough
We know that, as a subscriber to our newsletter and someone who is interested in our work, you join us in the belief that only robust scientific research is the key to understanding ME/CFS.
Donations from our valued supporters are vital if we are to continue our work to inform, influence and invest in ME/CFS research globally.
