Preprint Biological Insights from Genome-Wide Association Studies and Whole Genome Sequencing of [ME/CFS], 2026, Maccallini et al

[forestglip]

Yes, this dendrogram is based on genetic data. More precisely, I used the genes found by PrecisionLife using the DecodeME cohort plus the genes found by Mark Snyder from WGS of 200 or so ME/CFS patients. I then collected genes form the latest GWAS and rare variants studies for other 27 common diseases.

Might it make sense to make a dendrogram using the raw SNP p values from the whole genome? I don't know how to do it, but it seems like it could be less affected by differences in how studies pick genes (e.g. PrecisionLife's method vs other GWAS using nearest gene).

 

[duncan]

It is simply not possible to tell from observing your symptoms that you have a degenerative disease.

Over 30 years? Sure it is. I've steadily seen my IQ drop over the years. The last I checked, it was down 20 points over premorbid levels. Now, it may be fair to claim those are objective tests, but I can feel my Stupid, much as I can the sense of poison that courses through me that no one can capture in any objective lab.

But if you know where to look, and have the right technology, can you actually demonstrate it in pwME? I think you can, but you better be looking hard for it. How many have access to a Tesla 5 or 7? I did, through the NIH, and it repeatedly revealed brain atrophy, albeit subtle. Fortunately, they were looking for something, they just didn't know what. And my results took them off guard.

How many of us recover to healthy status? 5%? Less? We haven't merely deteriorated, we've loss a varying degree of function - forever.

And for a portion of us, that degree, with speed bumps, only worsens over time. It's just the rate that varies when you've that brand.

Fortunately, that is a small portion of pwME.

I deteriorate with the flu. ME/CFS for me was degenerative.