Scientists have discovered a gene responsible for chronic pain
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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British researchers have discovered a gene responsible for chronic pain, according to the BBC. Their work opens the way to the development of new painkillers.
The HCN2 gene, functioning in the painful nerve endings, codes for type 2 activated potassium-sodium ion channel, which is activated by hyperpolarization and cyclic nucleotide unlocked by cyclic nucleotides, which takes part in the transmission of nerve impulses. This gene has been known for several years, but its significance has not been fully elucidated.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge, using genetic engineering, deprived laboratory mice of the HCN2 gene and studied their response to various types of pain stimuli.
It was found that the absence of this gene significantly suppresses the perception of neuropathic pain (chronic pain sensations arising from nerve damage) and does not affect the "useful" acute pain signaling trauma or disease.
According to statistics, about every seventh Briton suffers from chronic pain in the head, back or joints, and traditional methods of treatment do not relieve these pains sufficiently. Head of the study Peter McNaughton (Peter McNaughton) believes that the development of drugs blocking the ion channels of HCN2, will help such patients.
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