The team found epigenetic modifications in nine genes related to pain sensitivity that were different between individual twins in a pair.
Epigenetic change is a 'dimmer switch' for gene expression
One of the study's corresponding authors, Tim Spector, professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, says:
"Epigenetic switching is like a dimmer switch for gene expression. This landmark study shows how identical twins, when combined with the latest technology to look at millions of epigenetic signals, can be used to find the small chemical switches in our genes that make us all unique - and in this case respond to pain differently."
One gene in particular, TRPA1, which is already known to be involved with pain sensitivity and a target in the development of analgesics or painkillers, showed the most epigenetic changes.
However, although TRPA1 is already known to be involved with pain sensitivity, this is the first time that pain sensitivity has been linked to epigenetic changes in the gene.