Collaborative Center - Uppsala - Open Medicine Foundation

The ME/CFS Collaboration

at Uppsala University

State-of-the-art laboratory searching for biomarkers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in body and brain.

Research

Science Team

About the research center

Established in 2019, this research center is directed by Jonas Bergquist, MD, PhD. Prior to this new center, Dr. Bergquist had already been researching ME/CFS for nearly a decade. Dr. Bergquist and his lab develop novel methods for extracting patient samples and measuring the metabolites and proteins within those samples.

They then apply these methods to produce unique and valuable data from a range of diseases. Along with ME/CFS, his lab has a general interest in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

The ME/CFS CRC at Uppsala University is looking for ME/CFS biomarkers to develop a diagnostic test and to contribute to the understanding of what initiates the disease process. Not only are they looking for single metabolites or proteins, they are looking for the pattern of all the data the extract from ME/CFS patient samples and are working towards a defining biochemical signature of the disease.

This collaborative research initiative is looking to develop methods to measure proteins, peptides and metabolites in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of ME/CFS patients to help define the underlying biological cause, to form a diagnostic and to ultimately find treatments for the disease.

Active/Ongoing Studies

Temporally Resolved Omics Tracking of ME/CFS

This study seeks to understand the biological mechanisms driving the symptomatology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) using metabolomic and lipidomic high-throughput analysis and high-frequency blood sampling over a 6.5 to 7.5 hour period conducted at two separate sites (Melbourne and Uppsala).

Critical Illness, Mechanisms of Recovery, Similarities to ME/CFS

We propose an initial explanation for how ME/CFS could originate and perpetuate by drawing on findings from critical illness and heat stroke research.

Studying CSF to further reveal pathogenesis mechanisms in ME/CFS

The goal of this research is to reveal more information about the role of immunology and neuroinflammation in ME/CFS, and the underlying mechanisms of related pathogenesis that takes place.

Long COVID Clinic Studies

The aim is to investigate potential differences in adrenergic and muscarinic receptor autoantibody levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls.

Home Visit Study

This study provides a unique opportunity to bring the lab directly into patient homes and provide immediate analysis of samples over an extended period of time.

Deep Proteome and Metabolome Profiling

Decode the molecular mechanisms underlying ME/CFS and contributing to specific symptoms with a particular emphasis of post-exertional malaise (PEM). This includes deep phenotyping of ME patients and global proteomic/metabolomics plasma profiling of ME..

Mechanisms That Prevent Recovery in Prolonged ICU Patients Also Underlie ME/CFS by Jonas Bergquist, MD, PhD, Uppsala Collaboration

This study aims to understand the similarities between the conditions — and thereby further collaborations that could help improve the lives of patients across these diseases.

Deep Assessment of Neuroinflammation Study

We will explore the hypothesis that deranged flow of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to craniocervical obstructions and/or instability may cause deranged intracranial pressure (ICP), neuroinflammation and cardinal symptoms of ME/CFS.

Post-viral Encephalopathy

This study provides an excellent opportunity to understand the mechanism of long-lasting viral-induced cognitive complications, commonly referred to as “brain fog.”

Autoimmunity and Autoantibodies

The aim is to investigate potential differences in adrenergic and muscarinic receptor autoantibody levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls.

Kynurenine Trial in ME / CFS

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether kynurenine is directly connected to ME/CFS patient symptom severity.

Scientific Team

The large-scale research endeavors of the ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Uppsala University require a diverse team. Dr. Bergquist has assembled a great team of scientists and clinicians to fulfill their goals.

Uppsala University (Sweden)

Jonas Bergquist, MD, PhD, Prof, Director

Kumari Ubhayasekhera, PhD

Ganna Shevchenko, PhD

Levon Manukyan, PhD

Sandy Abujrais, PhD Student

Mark Dennis Retrato, PhD Student

Annie Bynke, Med Student

Hanna Gustafsson, Med Student

Torsten Gordh, MD, PhD, Prof em

Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard)

Wenzhong Xiao, PhD

In Memoriam – Ronald Tompkins, MD, ScD

Stanford University

Ronald Davis, PhD

Karolinska Institut (Sweden)

Per Julin, MD, PhD

Bragee Clinics Stockholm

Bo C. Bertilsson, MD, PhD

Björn Bragée, MD

Kent Nilsson, MD

Gunnar Olsson, MD, PhD, Ass. Prof

Jonas Axelsson, MD, PhD, Ass. Prof

Britt Bragée, RPT, PhD

Gabriella Bernhoff RPT, PhD Student

Brandon Drum, Med Student

Michael Fahlqvist, MD-internship

Michos Anastasios, MD

Gottfries clinic (Sweden)

CG Gottfries, MD, PhD, Prof em

Linkoping University (Sweden)

Anders Rosén, MD, PhD, Prof em

Björn Ingelsson, PhD, Ass prof

Eirini Apostoulo, PhD, Post doc

Rizwan Muhammad, Guest Researcher

University of East Anglia (UK)

Simon Carding, PhD, Prof

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