Dr Gow's Study Resumes Today

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Vital research into an ME Association-funded study into the genetic origins
of ME/CFS enters a new phase today (Monday, February 12) - when a full-time
research assistant joins the team at Glasgow Caledonian University.

The study - a world-leader in that it is exploring the whole human genome of
33,000 genes, compared with smaller studies elsewhere - was set up
originally two years ago by Dr John Gow at Glasgow University. It was then
delayed when it proved impossible to find funding for more than a
small-scale first stage.

But then Dr Gow moved to Glasgow Caledonian University as their director for
forensic investigation, was awarded a full professorship and given
permission to recruit a full-time researcher to the ME/CFS project.

The arrival today of the new research assistant, Dr Gillian Gibson PhD,
means that Professor Gow can pick up the reins again - as of today.

"This is good news for cutting-edge research into how the vast number of
genes in the body behave in people with ME/CFS", said Dr Charles Shepherd,
medical adviser to The ME Association.

"We know from the work that John has done so far that significant
abnormalities in some genes appear to be uniquely expressed in people with
ME/CFS. He can now forge ahead to test the science involved through the
recruitment of a wider spread of research volunteers."

The study is being funded by The ME Association's Ramsay Research Fund,
which is wholly dedicated to promoting research into the physical nature and
causes of the illness.

In the phase starting this week, Dr Gow will be recruiting healthy
volunteers as control samples, as well as patients suffering from other
disorders such as depression where fatigue can be a major clinical feature.
Other clinicians who will be providing the research volunteers are now being
alerted to the resumption of work.

Dr Shepherd commented: "There is as yet no reliable diagnostic test for
ME/CFS, and no proven cure. The ultimate aims of this study are to identify
specific genetic markers that can be used as a diagnostic test and to assess
new forms of treatment specifically aimed at correcting the genetic
abnormalities involved in ME."