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Study of COVID-19 survivors’ profiles
for detection of ME/CFS (SCOPIMED)

  • This longitudinal study has identified 12 circulating microRNAs that can predict the clinical trajectory of individuals with Long COVID, offering insights into their likelihood of recovery, prolonged illness, or worsening condition over time.
  • The microRNAs we studied control key blood proteins involved in inflammation, immunity and tissue repair, which can be targeted with existing treatments to help manage Long COVID.
  • A first manuscript on this work is in preparation.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS AND DESCRIPTION

Researcher pouring a red liquid from a beaker to a test tube.

The development of ME/CFS and related conditions like fibromyalgia (FM) among a subset of COVID-19 long-haulers is thought to be the result of a broad molecular-level reorganization occurring at the epigenetic level, which drives the host response following SARS-CoV-2 viral infection.

While ME/CFS researchers understand that many factors likely contribute to the onset of the condition, it is important to identify the risks of ME/CFS sequelae as early as possible. Studying the post-COVID-19 infected population may offer insight that helps ME/CFS patients by expanded understanding of the progression of the condition and identifying targeted treatment strategies. Finally, the study of COVID-19 long-haulers may shed light on ME/CFS and post-infectious fatigue syndrome following infections other than COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

  • Recruit a cohort of 50 COVID-19 long haulers.
  • Conduct a study of the global circulating microRNA expression profiles. 
  • Perform global DNA methylation profiling.
  • Conduct epigenome-wide association analysis.