Pain gene discovery
November 12, 2010
RESEARCHERS at the Austrian
Academy of Sciences have
uncovered a novel human pain
gene, following investigations into
pain genes in fruit flies.
The gene encodes part of a
calcium channel and the scientists
found that people who had minor
variations in the ‘novel human pain
gene’, recorded differences in
susceptibility and sensitivity to heat
and back pain.
Other pain genes identified in the
study which could affect patient
pain sensitivity included the gene
encoding the potassium ion
channel subunit KCNS1, as well as
single nucleotide polymorphisms.
With further research, the
discovery of these genes could,
according to researchers, result in
the development of more personalised
medicines, whereby doctors could
profile patients’ genes and tell
them how susceptible to post
operative pain they may be.
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