Goertzel, Benjamin N, Pennachin, Cassio, de Souza Coelho, Lucio et al. · Pharmacogenomics · 2006 · DOI
Researchers looked at genetic variations (called SNPs) in genes related to stress hormones and brain chemistry to see if they could predict who has ME/CFS. Using patterns from 28 specific genetic variants, they correctly identified ME/CFS in about 76% of patients tested. This suggests that genetics play a role in ME/CFS, though genes are not the whole story.
This study provides evidence that ME/CFS has a measurable genetic component, which may help explain why some people develop the illness and others do not. Understanding genetic risk factors could eventually lead to better diagnostic tests and personalized treatments tailored to a patient's genetic profile.
This study does not prove that genes *cause* ME/CFS—only that certain genetic patterns are associated with the illness. The 76% accuracy means genetic factors alone cannot fully predict who has ME/CFS; environmental triggers, infections, and other factors also play important roles. Results need replication in larger, independent populations before being used clinically.
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
Goertzel, Benjamin N, Pennachin, Cassio, de Souza Coelho, Lucio, Gurbaxani, Brian, Maloney, Elizabeth M, & Jones, James F (2006). Combinations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in neuroendocrine effector and receptor genes predict chronic fatigue syndrome.. Pharmacogenomics. https://doi.org/10.2217/14622416.7.3.475
BibTeX
@article{mecfsatlas-goertzel-2006-combinations-single,
author = {Goertzel, Benjamin N and Pennachin, Cassio and de Souza Coelho, Lucio and Gurbaxani, Brian and Maloney, Elizabeth M and Jones, James F},
title = {Combinations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in neuroendocrine effector and receptor genes predict chronic fatigue syndrome.},
journal = {Pharmacogenomics},
year = {2006},
doi = {10.2217/14622416.7.3.475},
note = {PubMed: 16610957},
url = {https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/goertzel-2006-combinations-single},
}Atlas snapshot reference
ME/CFS Atlas. Generator v1 / Scanner v1.4 / policy v0.1. Accessed 2026-05-27. https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/goertzel-2006-combinations-single
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