searchMECFS: An online, interactive platform to facilitate secondary use of biospecimens and associated research data from myalgic encephalomyelitis studies

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, debilitating disease affecting multiple body systems, with no established biomarkers for diagnosis or treatment. This publication introduces searchMECFS, a free, interactive online platform developed by the Data Management and Coordinating Center of the ME/CFS Research Network, with funding from the National Institutes of Health. The platform’s purpose is to facilitate the secondary use of biospecimens and associated research data from ME/CFS clinical studies by improving accessibility, visibility, and sharing of these resources. Currently, searchMECFS facilitates access to biospecimens and associated data from two studies: The Chronic Fatigue Initiative study, funded by the Hutchins Family Foundation, and the Multi-Site Clinical Assessment of ME/CFS study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Users can query participant demographics and clinical information and request available biospecimens through an application process. Eight specimen types are currently available, though availability varies by study. The results highlight a case where a researcher used the searchMECFS platform to identify 40 serum samples, which contributed to published research on circadian rhythm disruption in ME/CFS. searchMECFS aims to accelerate scientific discovery within the ME/CFS research community by improving biospecimen utilization, fostering data sharing, and supporting collaboration.