Deans

Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., MS, MS, MS. – College of Osteopathic Medicine

Award Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a complex disease that is associated with a variety of symptoms including fatigue, headache, memory problems, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal issues, neurological problems, hormonal imbalance and immune dysfunction. Currently, treatment relies solely on symptom management but does not address the underlying mechanisms of disease. Our previous research efforts have shown that regulation of gene expression altered the phenotypic nature of CFS/ME. Our recent genomic study used Affymetrix Gene ST microarrays to evaluate the changes in protein-coding gene expression in PBMCs of CFS/ME patients in the morning before the exercise challenge (T0), at peak effort (VO2 max) (T1) and after four hours of rest following exercise (T2). Samples were compared with carefully matched group of healthy controls (HC). Analysis of gene expression using a method called Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), revealed that KEGG Jak-STAT signaling pathway and Biocarta pathway of Sprouty regulation of tyrosine kinase signals are significantly under-expressed (FDR < 5%) in CFS/ME patients at T0. Both of these pathways regulate very important signaling mechanisms for a wide array of cytokines and growth factors. However, microarray data have to be validated by the different independent technology before we can use them. We aim to use the Nanostring pre-built inflammation panel to validate our microarray data. Our long term aim is to understand the mechanisms of CFS/ME and to develop new diagnostic panel and more effective therapeutic treatments. Specific Aim I: Determine the difference in expression of the inflammation markers between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients and healthy controls using pre-built Nanostring Human Inflammation panel. Specific Aim II: Compare results of the Nanostring assays with the microarray results and design validated Nanostring diagnostic panel for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Download

Share

COinS