Comparative transcriptomic meta-analysis reveals elevated TCL1A expression in human circulating immune cells across
Richard K Perez1, Vivianne L Tawfik1
1Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|November 8, 2025
Summary
This study reveals sex-specific immune gene expression in chronic pain. It identified TCL1A as a potential biomarker for neuropathic pain in women, offering new insights into pain management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genomics
- Pain Research
Background:
- Chronic pain impacts millions globally, with complex management due to varied risk factors and lack of biomarkers.
- Immune system dysregulation is linked to chronic pain, but studies often ignore sex differences, potentially obscuring crucial insights.
- Women exhibit higher risks for autoimmune diseases and chronic pain, highlighting the need for sex-specific research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate common and sex-specific transcriptomic signatures in circulating immune cells across various chronic pain conditions.
- To re-examine existing bulk RNA-sequencing data using transcriptomic meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Performed a transcriptomic meta-analysis on bulk RNA-sequencing data from human circulating immune cells.
- Included data from 142 chronic pain patients and 154 controls across six chronic pain conditions.
- Stratified analyses by sex to identify sex-specific gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Combined-sex analysis identified 19 differentially expressed genes in chronic pain.
- Sex-specific analysis revealed 34 altered genes in women, including TCL1A, linked to autoimmunity.
- TCL1A expression correlated with neuropathic pain severity in women, validated in an independent cohort.
Conclusions:
- Transcriptomic meta-analysis of open-access data identified conserved genes across pain conditions.
- Uncovered significant sex-specific immune signatures in chronic pain.
- Identified increased TCL1A expression as a potential biomarker for neuropathic pain in women.
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