Integration of DNA methylation & health scores identifies subtypes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
de Vega WC,
Erdman L,
Vernon SD,
Goldenberg A,
McGowan PO.
Abstract
AIM:
To identify subtypes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) based on DNA methylation profiles and health scores.
METHODS:
DNA methylome profiles in immune cells were integrated with symptomatology from 70 women with ME/CFS using similarity network fusion to identify subtypes.
RESULTS:
We discovered four ME/CFS subtypes associated with DNA methylation modifications in 1939 CpG sites, three RAND-36 categories and five DePaul Symptom Questionnaire measures. Methylation patterns of immune response genes and differences in physical functioning and postexertional malaise differentiated the subtypes.
CONCLUSION:
ME/CFS subtypes are associated with specific DNA methylation differences and health symptomatology and provide additional evidence of the potential relevance of metabolic and immune differences in ME/CFS with respect to specific symptoms.
KEYWORDS:
CFS; DNA methylation; chronic fatigue syndrome; clinical subtyping; complex disease; epigenetics; health survey; myalgic encephalomyelitis; similarity network fusion; symptom heterogeneity
