That part definitely stuck out to me. The fact that the set of genes is enriched across all those regions in the brain cumulatively suggests that (if it is the neurological function of these genes that matters) it’s something about general functioning of a neuron-type cell, rather than a specific neural function or part of the brain like the hypothalamus, that might predispose someone to ME/CFS.Yes, these specific parts:
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Edit: Seems to pretty much be all over the brain though.
Not sure - 2-3 years?If the funding was immediately forthcoming; what timeframe would be realistic from launch to results?
Haha!Really appreciate your blog, @Simon M . It's so nice to be directed to treasure, as I think we've been in the "Here be dragons" area of the map for too long.
Is this because of analysis time or the need to get more samples?Not sure - 2-3 years?
The team already has the DNA of 9,000 people with ME from DecodeME who gave permission for part of their DNA samples to be kept back for sequencing. The study will also need to recruit 9,000 people with Long Covid. It will collect DNA samples from them using the same ‘spit and post’ design as for DecodeME.
The long covid aspect of SequenceME seems to be new since the announcement if I'm not mistaken?Is this because of analysis time or the need to get more samples?
What are the pros/cons from a scientific or funding perspective of including a new cohort of LC patients?
Would it be possible to do analysis of existing ME/CFS samples in parallel to get results which can be acted upon sooner?
Presumably saliva from the other 9k participants in DecodeME who didn’t give permission has been disposed of so it’s too late for them to change their mind? Could they be recontacted and resampled if more samples are needed?
(Maybe these are best directed to the DecodeME team, but next weeks webinar maybe seems the wrong time/place)
I think you’re right, the numbers and emphasis seem different from this announcementThe long covid aspect of SequenceME seems to be new since the announcement if I'm not mistaken?
Yes! Interested to know what the rationale was but I think side by side comparison of ME and LC like this could be very valuble.I think you’re right, the numbers and emphasis seem different from this announcement
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SequenceME: first of a kind genetic study - Action for ME
A groundbreaking partnership has launched today. The partners are working together to secure funding for a study which will analyse the entire...www.actionforme.org.uk
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Oxford Nanopore, Action for ME, and University of Edinburgh launch groundbreaking study into the genetics of ME
A groundbreaking study will analyse the entire genetic code of up to 17,000 people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in a bid to uncover the genetic causes of the illness.nanoporetech.com
Yup. But I'm happy to offer some guessesMaybe these are best directed to the DecodeME team,
My estimate was guesswork, and assumed that the longest time would be needed for the sequencing itselfIs this because of analysis time or the need to get more samples?
I believe about 90% of people with who provided a sample gave consent for it to be used for other purposes, so will be retained. I think they're meant they have permission for the 9000 figure they had decided upon.Presumably saliva from the other 9k participants in DecodeME who didn’t give permission has been disposed of so it’s too late for them to change their mind?
That would seem logical. However, I'm not sure if there are batch effects as there are in GWAS genotyping. If there are, you probably want to sequence DNA from patients from both LC & MC at the same timeWould it be possible to do analysis of existing ME/CFS samples in parallel to get results which can be acted upon sooner?
Yes! Interested to know what the rationale was but I think side by side comparison of ME and LC like this could be very valuble.
I think if anyone's up to the task of recruiting that cohort it's the Edinburgh team.Definitely, if it's a well-defined cohort of ME-type Long Covid rather than the 'anything-that-affects-you-after-Covid-that-doesn't-have-another-explanation' definition of LC.
Thanks SimonYup. But I'm happy to offer some guesses![]()