Promising Findings from Our Researchers
“HERV fingerprints”
Prof. Elisa Oltra, Dr Karen Giménez-Orenga and colleagues at the University of Valencia have recently published more findings from their ME Research UK-funded study investigating human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) in ME/CFS.
The researchers analysed immune cells from women with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, both conditions, and healthy controls. Using special microarray technology, they assessed HERV activity and discovered that each group displayed a distinct pattern of HERV expression, effectively distinguishing one group from another. The team believes these unique “HERV fingerprints” could therefore be valuable in the diagnosis of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, but they need to replicate their findings in larger groups.
Impaired motoneuron behaviour
Prof. Janet Taylor and Dr Chris Latella at Edith Cowan University have been investigating the source of muscle weakness in people with ME/CFS, as part of an ME Research-funded study. They presented some of their initial findings at the Australasian Neuroscience Society annual meeting last December. The researchers measured the activity of nerves supplying foot muscles during ankle contractions and found that this nerve activity was 25% lower in people with ME/CFS than in healthy controls. These results suggest that impaired motoneuron behaviour could contribute to muscle weakness in ME/CFS, and the team now plans to explore the mechanisms causing this.
Articles
ME Awareness Week Recap
For ME Awareness Week 2025, we shared infographics raising awareness about the debilitating nature of ME/CFS, but also about the research being conducted to tackle the symptoms associated with the disease. For ease of access, we have collated these postings into one article.
Heat, ME/CFS and orthostatic intolerance
People in the UK have been experiencing unusually hot weather this month, with a high of 33.2°C recorded on Saturday 21st June in one region. Whilst hot weather may bring to mind pleasant activities like day trips, those with health conditions exacerbated by heat are likely struggling. One such example is orthostatic intolerance, a common issue for people with ME/CFS, where the body fails to properly compensate for moving to an upright position.
Impaired energy metabolism and immune overactivation identified following exercise in men with ME/CFS
A study has identified significant differences following exercise in the responses of extracellular vesicles – particles in the body which play a key role in cell communication – between males with ME/CFS and male sedentary controls. This study follows a previously published paper by the research team considering extracellular vesicle response to exercise in female participants with ME/CFS.
Other topics explored in June include sleep reversal in ME/CFS, immune cells and post-viral syndrome, the nervous system and chronic pain, and the importance of “feeling heard, valued, and believed” by health professionals.
London Marathon Place
Know someone who has been unsuccessful in the TCS London Marathon public ballot? We have good news – ME Research UK has been allocated a guaranteed place for the race on 26th April 2026, and we are offering one supporter the opportunity to take part.
Find out more on our website. Guaranteed places are highly prized, so please get your application in early. Deadline – 18th July 2025.
Big Give Christmas Challenge – Pledge Today
Last year, ME Research UK participated in The Big Give Christmas Challenge and raised over £56,000 which enabled us to fund a project with Dr Sarah Annesley at La Trobe University in Australia looking at microRNA profiles and their impact on platelet function and energy production in women with ME/CFS. This year we would like to invest in much-needed research all over again!
The first step is to pledge. Pledges are needed not only to match donations, but they also encourage people to donate. Find out more about how to become a pledger.
Walk for ME – Thank you Alison!
Thank you to Alison Herbert, who, earlier this month, started her 177 mile walk along Offa’s Dyke in aid of ME Research UK as part of Walk for ME 2025, and has raised over £2000 so far!
Alison says “Too many men and women of all ages are living in the shadows due to this disease… For every £1 you donate it’s another step nearer to helping people with ME/CFS return to normal living.”
Hear more about Alison’s journey or support her fundraising
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.
