University of Edinburgh researchers have identified eight genetic differences in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), linking the condition to immune and nervous system functions—marking a breakthrough in understanding the biological basis of this long-misunderstood illness.
LONDON: In a major breakthrough, UK scientists have found significant genetic differences linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), offering robust evidence that the debilitating condition has a biological basis.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh identified eight distinct areas of DNA that differ between individuals with ME/CFS and those without. The study, part of the DecodeME project, analysed data from over 275,000 individuals of European descent, including 15,579 people who self-reported having the condition.
These genetic variants are associated with the immune system and nervous system, suggesting a biological trigger rather than a psychological cause. Some genes relate specifically to how the body responds to infection, aligning with reports that ME/CFS symptoms often begin after illnesses like viral infections. Others are linked to chronic pain—a frequent symptom of ME/CFS.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterised by extreme fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment (“brain fog”) following even minor exertion. Affecting around 67 million people globally, the illness currently has no diagnostic test or known cure.
“This is the first robust evidence that genes contribute to a person’s chance of developing ME/CFS,” said Andy Devereux-Cooke, a researcher involved in the study. “It aligns with decades of patients reporting their experiences and could be game-changing for the ME/CFS research field.”
Although the findings haven’t been peer-reviewed yet, they are seen as a significant advance. External experts have called for follow-up research using diagnosed patient cohorts to validate the results and eventually develop targeted treatments.
