Researchers from the UK’s University of Oxford have identified a gene they say is involved in chronic pain levels in humans.
The gene, NCX3, regulates pain sensitization by amplifying pain signals within the spinal cord, researchers said in a statement.
The researchers said that NCX3 was identified as being involved in chronic pain through tests on mice.
The tests showed increased levels of NCX3 alleviated pain sensitivity whilst reduced levels increased sensitivity in mice.
“The findings imply that any drugs which can increase activity of NCX3 would be predicted to reduce pain sensitization in humans,” said Prof. David Bennet.
The study (pdf) found pain sensitivity—a contributor to chronic pain—increased in mice when the NCX3 protein was removed, indicating that chronic pain in humans may be reduced if a therapeutic is able to increase the activity of NCX3 to reduce pain sensitivity….