OMF’s Collaborative Center at Montreal, in collaboration with our Melbourne ME/CFS Collaboration, has released a new paper: Circulating Levels of SMPDL3B Define Metabolic Endophenotypes and Subclinical Kidney Alterations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
From the Desk of Dr. Alain Moreau, Director of the ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Montreal:
What is this research about?
This study looked at a protein called SMPDL3B, which normally helps protect kidney cells. Our research team and OMF colleagues based in Australia found that people with ME/CFS have unusual levels of this protein in their blood and urine. These changes suggest that ME/CFS might involve hidden (subclinical) kidney stress and metabolic imbalances, even though standard kidney tests look normal. The study also found differences between men and women, with women showing more pronounced changes.
Why does it matter for people with ME/CFS?
ME/CFS is a complex illness with no clear diagnostic test and cure. These findings suggest that SMPDL3B could become a new biomarker—a measurable sign of the disease. This is important because:
- It could help detect early organ stress that standard tests miss.
- It may explain some symptoms like fatigue and pain, which could be linked to kidney and metabolic dysfunction.
- It highlights biological differences between men and women, which could lead to more personalized care.
What is the potential impact?
If confirmed in larger studies, this discovery could:
- Lead to a simple blood or urine test to help diagnose ME/CFS or monitor its progression.
- Open the door to targeted treatments that protect kidney function and restore metabolic balance.
- Improve precision medicine approaches, tailoring care based on biological markers and sex differences.
Read the full publication in International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
This paper is part of a larger project: ME/CFS Adaptive Therapeutic Solution Platform. Phase 1 of the project—identifying promising treatment targets for specific subgroups of people with ME/CFS—is in the “Data Analysis” stage of the research process.
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