Science

Scientists find rare gene in UK lady that kills pain, heals wounds faster

While every human being is different from others, there are some common denominators that are present in most of us and one of them is feeling pain. Now as per a report in independent.co.uk there is a 75-year-old British woman, Jo Cameron, who feels no pain!

This condition is due to a rare genetic mutation according to scientists which allows her a pain-free life and also one which is devoid of anxiety or fear. The University College London experts discovered that it was changes in the FAAH-OUT gene work at the molecular level that allowed Cameron, who hails from Scotland to escape pain. They also revealed that the same change made the wounds heal faster.

It was in 2019 that Cameron who lives near Loch Ness in the Highlands hit the limelight when UCL researchers declared that alterations in the FAAH-OUT about which not much was known in the past, made her experience no fear, pain or stress.

It was quite late in life, Cameron herself realised this condition. At the age of 65 she underwent treatment for a medical problem in the hip. This on examination turned out to be a severe joint degeneration but surprisingly she never felt any pain of this condition.

While getting a surgery done on her hand at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness following the treatment for hip, she told the doctors that she had no pain even though the treatment in itself is very painful.

Working on this, scientists discovered that the FAAH-OUT variation switches off the FAAH expression concerned with memory, pain and mood. The enzyme activity levels in the FAAH were less in Cameron’s case.

Changes in two other genes – DNF and ACKR3 – scientists suggest may play a part in Cameron’s low anxiety, fear and painlessness.

Elaborating on this study, Dr Andrei Okorokov of UCL Medicine and the study’s senior author remarked: “The FAAH-OUT gene is just one small corner of a vast continent, which this study has begun to map. As well as the molecular basis for painlessness, these explorations have identified molecular pathways affecting wound healing and mood, all influenced by the FAAH-OUT mutation.”

Okorokov went on to add: “As scientists it is our duty to explore and I think these findings will have important implications for areas of research such as wound healing, depression and more.”

Details of this study have been published in the journal Brain. It promises opening new avenues in development of drugs for healing of wounds and management of pain.

Commenting on this, UCL Medicine’s Professor James Cox and study’s senior author observed: “By understanding precisely what is happening at a molecular level, we can start to understand the biology involved and that opens up possibilities for drug discovery that could one day have far-reaching positive impacts for patients.”

S.Ravi

S. Ravi writes on science, evolution and wildlife besides trends in culture, history, art, and stories of human interest.

Recent Posts

“I want to have strong representation of India at World Nuclear Exhibition 2025”: Sylvie Bermann

Sylvie Bermann, President of the World Nuclear Exhibition expressed confidence in India's nuclear supply chain…

1 hour ago

PoJK: Joint Awami Action Committee protests against government following new ordinance, many injured

Joint Awami Action Committee core member Shaukat Nawaz Mir has condemned the attack of police…

1 hour ago

PM Modi meets 31 world leaders, heads of organisations during his 3-nation foreign visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in 31 Bilateral Meetings and informal interactions with global leaders…

4 hours ago

India- Australia conduct 11th Indian Air Force-Royal Australian Air Force Air Staff Talks

India and Australia conducted the 11th edition of the Indian Air Force and Royal Australian…

4 hours ago

Rajnath Singh meets Japan’s Defence Minister, Philippines Defence Secretary in Laos

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held meetings with the Japanese Defence Minister, General Nakatani and…

7 hours ago

PM Modi holds meeting with Barbados PM Mottley, expresses gratitude on receiving ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor…

8 hours ago