Journal of IiMER May 2025 BRMEC14 Session: Genomics Simon Carding (Session Chair) Professor Carding will guide the genomics session, focusing on the role of genetic research in uncovering risk factors and mechanisms in ME/CFS. Chris Ponting (University of Edinburgh, UK) Blood and Genetic Biomarkers of ME/CFS Professor Chris Ponting is Chair of Medical Bioinformatics at the University of Edinburgh and Section Head at the MRC Human Genetics Unit. A Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, he is internationally recognised for his work in genomics, protein science, and evolutionary biology. Professor Ponting leads the DecodeME genetic study of ME/CFS and has made significant contributions to understanding how genetic variation influences disease. He is actively involved in ME/CFS research initiatives, including the DecodeME study, which aims to identify genetic factors associated with ME/CFS. His work also extends to analysing blood biomarker data to understand differences between people with ME and healthy controls. Professor Ponting's presentation is expected to provide valuable insights into the genetic aspects of ME/CFS, potentially shedding light on the disease's pathogenesis and opening avenues for future treatment strategies. Marte Viken (University of Oslo, Norway) An Association Study of NK Cell Receptor Genes in ME Dr Marte Kathrine Viken is a senior researcher and project group leader at Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo. Her research focuses on immunogenetics, particularly the genetic factors influencing immune-mediated diseases, including ME/CFS and narcolepsy. Dr Viken leads studies investigating how genetic variation in immune cell receptors, such as natural killer (NK) cell receptors and HLA genes, may contribute to disease susceptibility and immune dysfunction. Dr Viken will present research examining associations between genetic variants in natural killer (NK) cell receptor genes and ME/CFS. Her work explores how differences in these immune cell receptors may influence susceptibility to ME/CFS and contribute to immune dysregulation observed in patients. The presentation will summarise findings from immunogenetic studies in Norwegian ME/CFS cohorts, discuss the relevance of NK cell function and HLA associations in disease mechanisms, and highlight the implications for understanding the role of immune genetics in ME/CFS pathogenesis. Invest in ME Research Page 16 of 43
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