Unveiling the Culprit: The Protein Behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Exhaustion
Researchers have discovered a protein called WASF3 that may be responsible for the exhaustion experienced by individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). The study suggests that malfunctioning mitochondria, the energy-making machines in cells, could be a potential cause of energy-limiting illnesses like ME/CFS and long COVID. The protein WASF3 disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to decreased energy production. Elevated levels of WASF3 were found in muscle samples of individuals with ME/CFS, along with lower levels of mitochondrial protein complexes. The study provides a molecular explanation for bioenergetic deficiency in ME/CFS and offers potential avenues for future therapies.