Journal of IiMER May 2025 potentially illuminating the similarities between post-viral fatigue syndromes and ME. Her innovative use of stem cell culture systems and skin organoids as experimental models may offer new avenues for understanding the complex pathophysiology of ME. As ME research continues to face challenges due to limited funding, the participation of esteemed researchers like Prof Haniffa in BRMEC14 is vital for advancing our understanding of this debilitating condition. Her presentation could potentially open new doors for collaborative research and innovative treatment strategies and showcases the international nature of the colloquium. Christian Puta Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany BRMEC14: Immunometabolic Aspects of PEM Dr Christian Puta, Professor of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, will present on the immunometabolic aspects of post-exertional malaise (PEM) in ME/CFS. Dr Puta brings significant expertise in exercise physiology, sensory signal transduction, and health promotion to the field of ME research. His work focuses on the mechanisms underlying PEM, a core symptom of ME/CFS, and addresses the challenges of studying PEM without causing prolonged recovery in patients. Dr Puta’s research has identified key physiological changes during PEM, including reduced peak oxygen uptake, decreased systemic oxygen extraction, and alterations in red blood cell morphology. These findings shed light on the complex biological responses triggered by exertion in ME/CFS. As leader of the Pain, Perception, Prevention Workgroup, Dr Puta also investigates sensori-motor control in chronic pain and the interplay between the autonomic nervous system and inflammatory responses to pain and exercise. His multidisciplinary approach integrates immune profiling and metabolic assessments to better understand how immune and metabolic changes contribute to PEM and its impact on patient health. Dr Puta’s expertise and research will provide valuable insights into the biological basis of PEM, informing efforts to develop targeted therapeutic strategies and improve the management of ME/CFS. Maureen Hanson Cornell University, USA BRMEC14: Inflammatory signaling pathways revealed by cell-free RNA analysis Professor Hanson will share findings from her group’s studies on immune cell abnormalities in ME/CFS, including altered T and B cell function, cytokine profiles, and immune gene expression. Her research aims to identify biomarkers and clarify the role of immune dysregulation in disease persistence. Maureen Hanson is Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics and Director of the Center for Enervating Neuroimmune Disease at Cornell University. Her research is internationally recognised for advancing the understanding of immune dysfunction in ME/CFS. Invest in ME Research Page 23 of 43
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