The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7431 p729
16 December 2006

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Gene mutations may provide route to complete analgesia

Three distinct gene mutations that appear to prevent carriers from experiencing pain have been identified by researchers.

By studying individuals from three related families who had never experienced pain, the researchers identified common mutations in the SCN9A gene, which encodes a voltage-gated sodium channel, strongly expressed in nociceptive neurons. Tissue culture studies revealed that the mutations stopped the channel functioning and, in turn, appeared to prevent the individuals from experiencing pain.

The individuals studied were otherwise healthy and could correctly perceive the sensations of touch, warmth, cold, tickle and pressure, but not pain. The researchers therefore suggest that drugs able to block the function of the sodium channel have potential as safe analgesics (Nature 2006;444:894).