Genetic underpinnings and causal effects of brain structure and function on chronic pain intensity

Xiuzhi Wang, Jinyu Liu, Xichen Wang, Jin Yang, Yipeng Le, Yingchao Song, Qian Su, Xiaoxiao Xiao, Yifan Li, Wen Qin, Chunshui Yu, Ping Wang and Meng Liang ()
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Xiuzhi Wang: Tianjin Medical University
Jinyu Liu: Tianjin Medical University
Xichen Wang: Tianjin Medical University
Jin Yang: Tianjin Medical University
Yipeng Le: Tianjin Medical University
Yingchao Song: Shandong First Medical University
Qian Su: Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital
Xiaoxiao Xiao: Tianjin Medical University
Yifan Li: Tianjin Medical University
Wen Qin: Tianjin Medical University General Hospital
Chunshui Yu: Tianjin Medical University
Ping Wang: Tianjin Medical University
Meng Liang: Tianjin Medical University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Chronic pain represents a major clinical burden, with its intensity being a key measure of its severity. However, the genetic and neural underpinnings of chronic pain intensity remain unraveled. Here, we identified six genetic loci (including a novel discovery) significantly associated with chronic pain intensity using a genome-wide association study in the UK Biobank (n = 134,627). We then systematically investigate its relationship with 3924 brain imaging-derived phenotypes. Phenotypic correlation analyses revealed 29 imaging-derived phenotypes predictive of future chronic pain intensity. Genetic correlation and polygenic risk score analyses showed 13 of these imaging-derived phenotypes share a genetic basis with chronic pain intensity. Mediation analyses indicated that 12 imaging-derived phenotypes mediate genetic effects on chronic pain intensity. Mendelian randomization further supported a causal influence of three imaging-derived phenotypes, including brain structure and functional network connectivity, on chronic pain intensity. Our findings elucidate the genetic architecture and neurobiological pathways of chronic pain intensity, highlighting the brain’s central role in chronic pain pathophysiology.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64904-y

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