Investigating muscle cells to improve diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome
Official title: Transcriptional profiling of proliferative skeletal muscle mononucleated cells coupled with broadband electrical cytometry towards diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Funded at Lehigh University · NIH-10951972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at muscle cells from people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) to find out how they differ from those of healthy individuals, with the hope of discovering new ways to diagnose and better understand the condition, especially for those who developed symptoms after COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lehigh University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethlehem, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,178 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS139044-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have ME/CFS or related chronic fatigue conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) by analyzing muscle cells from patients. Researchers will use advanced techniques to profile the gene expression and electrical properties of these cells, comparing them to those from healthy individuals. The goal is to identify specific biological markers that can lead to better diagnostic tools for ME/CFS, especially in patients who may have developed symptoms following COVID-19. By examining these cellular characteristics, the study aims to enhance the understanding of the disease and improve patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of reliable diagnostic tests for ME/CFS, improving patient outcomes and treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research specifically using this approach, the investigation of cellular markers in chronic fatigue conditions is a growing area of interest, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Xuanhong — Lehigh University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Xuanhong
Related research
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Long COVID as a possible subtype of chronic fatigue syndrome
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Is Long COVID a subtype of chronic fatigue syndrome?
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Investigating T Cell Responses in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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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.