Investigating brain energy metabolism in patients with long-COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome
Official title: Cerebral Energy Metabolism in ME/CFS with and without PASC
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10859854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain uses energy in people with long-COVID and those with chronic fatigue syndrome, to find out what they have in common and how it might help us understand their symptoms better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $670,721 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136806-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10859854 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced long-COVID symptoms or have been diagnosed with ME/CFS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of COVID-19 or chronic fatigue syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the brain energy metabolism in patients who have experienced long-COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), and those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The study aims to compare these two groups to identify shared mechanisms that may contribute to their symptoms, such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Using non-invasive brain imaging techniques, researchers will assess cerebral blood flow and metabolic changes to gain insights into potential treatment strategies. By exploring these connections, the research hopes to clarify the underlying causes of these debilitating conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from long-COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Limited studies have shown promising results regarding brain metabolism in ME/CFS, suggesting that this research could build on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Xiang — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Xu, Xiang
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.