S4.12 Why me? Searching for genetic susceptibility to chronic fatigue syndrome and pain
Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode, supported by the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh, we discover how researchers are using genetics to understand more about what’s going on in long-term debilitating conditions including ME/CFS and chronic pain, working hand in hand with patients to help to figure out who might be at risk and pointing towards new ideas for treatment.
Chris Ponting: Decoding the genetics of ME/CFS
ME/CFS is a multi-faceted, fluctuating condition that’s often characterised by extreme tiredness, although there can be other unpleasant symptoms like joint and muscle pains, headaches, problems sleeping, eye pain, problems with concentration or ‘brain fog’ and more. Click here to find out how Professor Chris Ponting at the MRC Human Genetics Unit within the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh is trying to find out what’s going on at a biological level.
Andy Devereux-Cooke: Putting patients at the heart of research
Andy’s been living with ME/CFS for about forty years, most likely since he had the measles aged 9 and was never the same again. Click here to discover how Andy’s condition has understandably had a big impact on his life and work.
Blair Smith: Searching for the genes behind chronic pain
Let’s move from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to another chronic, life-limiting health issue - chronic pain. Medically speaking, this is pain that has lasted for three months or more, and it can be very difficult to manage and treat effectively. Click here to learn a bit more about what Chronic Pain is and how we can use genetic techniques to understand it better.
Caroline Hayward: How can we use genetic techniques to understand chronic pain?
Professor Caroline Hayward and her team at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, within the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, have been working together with clinical colleagues like Blair Smith, scanning through the DNA from thousands of people in the Generation Scotland study and other cohorts in search of genetic variations that might be contributing to chronic pain. Click here to uncover a bit more about how she does it.
That’s all for now. We’ll be back next time taking a look at the story behind my favourite gene, and the inspiration for my first book, Herding Hemingway’s Cats: Sonic Hedgehog.
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
Genetics Unzipped is written and presented by me, Kat Arney. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Hannah Varrall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
