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Single cell transcriptomic analysis reveals dynamic cellular composition changes at acupuncture point BL23 (Shenshu)
Gexin Zhao1, Xiuju Wu2, Shunfa Huang3
1Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, UCLA Technology Center for Genomics & Bioinformatics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Molecular Pain
|November 28, 2025
Summary
Researchers explored cellular changes at human acupuncture points using a novel needle technique. A new cell type enriched during pain relief was discovered, offering insights into acupuncture analgesia mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Acupuncture research
- Cellular biology
- Pain management
Background:
- Acupuncture mechanisms are studied in animals, but human acupoint cellular dynamics are unknown.
- Collecting sufficient cells from human acupoints is a major challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize cellular and molecular changes at human acupuncture points.
- To investigate the role of these cells in acupuncture-induced pain relief.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel needle manipulation technique for cell collection from acupoints.
- Utilized single-cell technology for cell type identification and transcriptomic analysis.
- Compared cell populations during pain and pain relief states.
Main Results:
- Identified eight cell types at acupoint BL23, including a novel population.
- The novel cell type (marked by CNTNAP2 and CSMD1) was enriched during pain relief.
- Other cell types decreased following acupuncture analgesia.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first cellular and transcriptional characterization of acupoint BL23.
- Novel cells at acupoints may play a role in synapse assembly and synaptic plasticity.
- Findings offer new insights into acupuncture's pain relief mechanisms.
