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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
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Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Biological pathways and genetic variables involved in pain
Qiuling Shi1, Charles S Cleeland, Pål Klepstad
1Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1450, Houston, TX 77030, USA. qshi@mdanderson.org
Summary
Genetic variations influence pain perception and how well analgesics work. Further research is needed to understand these genetic links for personalized pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Pain perception and analgesic efficacy are influenced by complex biological pathways.
- Genetic variations play a significant role in individual differences in pain sensitivity and response to pain medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on genetic variations affecting pain perception.
- To summarize research on genetic factors influencing analgesic efficacy.
- To identify candidate genetic markers for pain and pain management.
Main Methods:
- Focused on a review of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
- Examined genetic variations within pain-perception and analgesic-efficacy pathways.
- Synthesized findings from candidate gene association studies.
Main Results:
- Identified genetic pathways for pain perception, including neurotransmission and inflammation.
- Categorized genes affecting analgesic efficacy based on receptor interaction, opioid modulation, metabolism, and transport.
- Proposed various genetic variations as potential markers for pain perception and analgesic sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Candidate gene studies provide evidence for genetic modulation of pain and analgesic response.
- Current understanding is limited by small study sizes and a narrow focus on genes/variants.
- Personalized analgesic treatments require a comprehensive understanding of genetic variants and their interactions.
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