A major new genetic study on fibromyalgia (FM) involving about 2.5 million people has significantly advanced understanding of the condition by identifying many genetic risk regions associated with FM, placing it on a firm biological foundation rather than being defined solely by symptoms.
The study found 24+ significant genetic loci linked to FM, far more than previous research, and these genes influence brain-related processes such as pain and sensory processing, interneuron excitability, hippocampal function (memory), dopamine signaling, sleep, neuroplasticity, excitatory neurotransmission, immune function, and neuroinflammation.
Genetic expression was especially enriched in brain regions that process pain, emotion, motivation, and movement, including the cortex, basal ganglia (caudate, putamen), frontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex, supporting the idea that FM is fundamentally a central nervous system disorder.
The genetic profile also overlaps with other conditions such as ME/CFS, chronic pain disorders, IBS, PTSD, and depression, suggesting a shared “transdiagnostic vulnerability” affecting core neurobiological systems like CNS excitability and dopaminergic/serotonergic signaling.
Importantly, two genes—HTT/GPR52 and CELF4—offer new potential treatment targets, with related drugs under development or in early exploration.
Overall, the findings reinforce FM as a real brain-centered biological disease and point toward future genetic-informed therapies.
Please visit https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2025/10/20/brain-fibromyalgia-genetics to read the full article.
Reference
Johnson, C. (2025, October 20). The Brain Disease: Huge Fibromyalgia Genetic Study Highlights the Brain and Offers New Treatment Possibilities. Health Rising. https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2025/10/20/brain-fibromyalgia-genetics/