Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Muraki, Katsuhiko, Sasso, Etianne Martini et al. · Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) · 2025 · DOI
This study describes the scientific methods used to examine special proteins called ion channels (specifically TRPM3) in the cells of ME/CFS patients. Researchers took blood samples, isolated specific immune cells, and used advanced techniques like imaging and electrical measurements to see how these ion channels work. This work provides a detailed handbook for scientists studying how ion channel problems might contribute to ME/CFS.
Ion channel dysfunction has been proposed as a potential mechanism in ME/CFS pathophysiology, and this standardized methods framework enables consistent investigation of these critical cellular processes across research groups. Well-documented protocols facilitate reproducibility and multi-center collaboration, accelerating discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. For patients, improved understanding of ion channel function could eventually lead to targeted treatments addressing a fundamental cellular dysfunction.
This methods paper does not provide experimental results or evidence that TRPM3 dysfunction actually occurs in ME/CFS patients, nor does it establish whether ion channel abnormalities cause ME/CFS symptoms. The study describes how to measure ion channels but does not demonstrate their role in disease pathogenesis or validate any therapeutic interventions. It is a technical guide, not an empirical investigation.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
The first block is for the primary paper and is the citation you should use in research work. The atlas-snapshot line only applies if you are specifically referring to this atlas’s reading of the paper on the date shown.
Primary citation
Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Muraki, Katsuhiko, Sasso, Etianne Martini, Magawa, Chandi, & Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya (2025). Analysis of Transient Receptor Potential Ion Channels in ME/CFS.. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4498-0_6
BibTeX
@article{mecfsatlas-eaton-fitch-2025-analysis-transient,
author = {Eaton-Fitch, Natalie and Muraki, Katsuhiko and Sasso, Etianne Martini and Magawa, Chandi and Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya},
title = {Analysis of Transient Receptor Potential Ion Channels in ME/CFS.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
year = {2025},
doi = {10.1007/978-1-0716-4498-0_6},
note = {PubMed: 40372679},
url = {https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/eaton-fitch-2025-analysis-transient},
}Atlas snapshot reference
ME/CFS Atlas. Generator v1 / Scanner v1.4 / policy v0.1. Accessed 2026-05-29. https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/eaton-fitch-2025-analysis-transient
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