Neuroscientists at the Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo have found a mutation in the genome that can regulate pain. The results of the research scientists are published in the journal Journal of Clinical Research.
The team focused their work on examining TRPV1, the sensory neuron receptor responsible for the burning sensation. According to scientists, turning off this receptor to turn off the pain.
“This is an important channel for heat signaling, and complete reversal of its activity can eliminate physiological pain and prevent the sensation of burning heat, which performs a protective function,” the authors said.
In their study, the researchers examined a genome database to compare the functioning of the TRPV1 receptor in birds and humans. As a result, they found five mutations in the K710N gene encoding this receptor that affects pain insensitivity in birds.
“These mutations may be present in humans, but they are very rare. So we built a mouse model and modified the rodent genome. It seems that mice with the K710N mutation showed less hypersensitivity to nerve damage, while their response to noxious heat remained unchanged,” the scientists explained.
In future studies, scientists will continue to study this gene and its mutations to create effective ways to deal with pain.