Main Menu
Donate
Sign Up

Cellular Nitrogen and Energy Metabolism in ME/CFS

Study AIM

This project aims to test the nitrogen hypothesis, which is that damaging, nitrogen-containing by-products of energy metabolism accumulate more readily in the cells of ME/CFS patients.

LEAD INVESTIGATORS
  • Daniel Missailidis, PhD
  • Robert Phair, PhD
  • Paul Gooley, PhD
  • Sarah Annesley, PhD
  • Christopher Armstrong, PhD
Updates and Potential
  • Lymphoblast experiments are completed.
  • We have expanded to look at cells with known genetic anomalies.
  • Both the lymphoblast samples and cells with mutations have been prepared and are currently producing metabolite data for analysis.
  • Expecting both projects to be completed in 2025.
  • There will be 3 publications for this work.
STUDY HYPOTHESIS AND DESCRIPTION

ME/CFS, a condition diagnosed by symptoms like extreme tiredness after exertion (known as post-exertional malaise), ongoing fatigue, and mental cloudiness or “brain fog,” may stem from a basic problem with how energy is made and used in the body.

We hypothesize that in ME/CFS, nitrogen compounds might be mishandled in immune cells because the mitochondria (energy factories of the cell) are using amino acids (building blocks of proteins) to make energy. To explore this idea, scientists will grow immune cells from blood samples and feed them special types of sugar, fats, and amino acids that can be tracked. This will allow them to see how the metabolism of these cells in ME/CFS patients is different from people without the condition.

This study uses innovative methods to deepen our understanding of ME/CFS and possibly uncover the root causes of its symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Observe how amino acids are used by cells from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls.
  2. Observe how sugars are used by cells from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls.
  3. Observe how fats are used by cells from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls.
  4. Observe the usage rate of sugars, fats, and amino acids in ME/CFS and controls.
  5. Test the Nitrogen Hypothesis.

 

Other links you might be interested in:

Digital Fundraising Toolkit
The Ronald G. Tompkins ME/CFS Collaboration at the Harvard Affiliated Hospitals
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

OMF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
(EIN# 26-4712664). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

2024 YEAR END REPORT

Open Medicine Foundation®
29302 Laro Drive,  Agoura Hills, CA 91301 USA
Phone: 650-242-8669
info@omf.ngo

Contact Us

PRIVACY  |  COOKIE   |   CONSENT   |  MEDICAL & OTHER DISCLAIMERS

Copyright © 2025 Open Medicine Foundation. All Rights Reserved.


Consent management

Consent Preferences

Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) Form 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia Leading Research. Delivering Hope.Open Medicine Foundation®

What are the advantages of giving from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

  • Your gifts to your donor advised fund entitle you to an immediate income tax deduction at the time of contribution.
  • You avoid capital gains tax on appreciated assets you place in your donor advised fund.
  • Your fund’s investment gains accumulate tax free.
  • Funds are distributed to Open Medicine Foundation in your name and immediately put to use to support our worldwide research efforts.


How do I make a donation through my DAF?

Just click on the DAF widget below. It is simple and convenient to find your fund among the over 900 funds in our system.

Still can’t find your fund? 

  • Request a grant distribution through your Donor Advised Fund sponsor
  • Be sure to use OMF’s EIN #26-4712664
  • You can also designate OMF as a beneficiary for your Donor Advised Fund
  • Questions? Give us a call at 650-242-8669 
Give now from your
Donor-Advised Fund
 
Donate