Scientists have uncovered a biological cause of chronic fatigue syndrome in a breakthrough that promises to transform understanding of the debilitating illness.
The condition—long dismissed by some as psychological—has now been linked to clear genetic differences found in patients’ DNA.
Researchers say the findings offer the first robust evidence that inherited genes can influence the risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
Experts say the discovery gives ‘validity and credibility’ to patients and helps to dispel the stigma and disbelief that often surrounds the illness.
The landmark study by the University of Edinburgh identified eight distinct genetic markers in people with the condition, compared to those without.
Professor Chris Ponting, who led the DecodeME project, said: ‘This is a wake-up call. The eight genetic signals reveal much about why infection triggers ME/CFS and why pain is a common symptom.
‘ME/CFS is a serious illness and we now know that someone’s genetics can tip the balance on whether they are diagnosed with it.’
Researchers analysed DNA from more than 15,000 people with ME/CFS, part of the world’s largest study into the disease.
Scientists have uncovered a biological cause of chronic fatigue syndrome in a breakthrough that promises to transform understanding of the debilitating illness
Well-known sufferers include comedian Miranda Hart, who revealed in her autobiography, which was published last year, the condition left her ‘bedbound and without joy’
The eight regions of DNA where scientists found differences involve genes linked to the immune and nervous systems.
At least two of the signals relate to how the body responds to infection, echoing long-standing patient reports that symptoms often begin after an illness.
Previous studies have shown that people who catch Covid are up to seven times more likely to develop ME/CFS, which shares symptoms with Long Covid.
There is currently no diagnostic test or cure for the condition, which is thought to affect around 67 million people worldwide.
In the UK alone, an estimated 404,000 people are affected—with women more likely to suffer than men, though researchers found no clear reason for this.
Well-known sufferers include comedian Miranda Hart, who revealed in her autobiography, which was published last year, the condition left her ‘bedbound and without joy’.
Symptoms include pain, brain fog and a profound lack of energy.
A key feature of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise—a severe worsening of symptoms after even minor physical or mental activity.
Scientists hope the findings will pave the way for better treatments, understanding and recognition of the illness.
Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive of Action for ME and a DecodeME co–investigator, said: ‘These results are groundbreaking. With DecodeME, we have gone from knowing next to nothing about the causes of ME/CFS, to giving researchers clear targets.’
She added: ‘This really adds validity and credibility for people with ME. We know that many people have experienced comments like ME is not real, or they’ve been to doctors and been disbelieved or told that it’s not a real illness.
‘Whilst things have changed and continue to change, that is still the case for some people and we hear that repeatedly as a charity.
‘Being able to take this study into the treatment room and say there are genetic causes that play a part in ME is going to be really significant for individuals. It will rebuff that lack of belief and the stigma that exists.’
